Start of Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims around the world. According to the Koran, the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Koran during Ramadan. Therefore, Ramadan is considered the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar.

Who celebrates?

Muslims around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• Observers of Ramadan fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations It is a time dedicated to prayer and especially a nightly prayer before breaking fast
• People also show additional kindness such as giving money to charity.

What should I know?

• In 2011 census, 4.8% of the population identified as Muslim
• The Islamic calendar is governed by the moon so the dates of Ramadan move by about 11 days each year and is confirmed by the sighting of the crescent moon
• Fasting is one of the 5 pillars of Islam as well as prayer, charity, declaration of faith, and pilgrimage
• Children, pregnant and menstruating women, travellers and exempt from Ramadan.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating – do not assume that if someone is Muslim that they will be fasting – if they are celebrating you could wish them ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ which means ‘blessed Ramadan’
• Avoid events that run past sundown this month to allow time for colleagues to break their fast
• Fasting at work can be difficult so empathise and respect your colleagues and clients while eating at work during this time
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

BBC: Questions about Ramadan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAl6U1RuCvM

Muslim Hands: Ramadan UK: https://muslimhands.org.uk/ramadan/what-is-ramadan

BBC: what is Ramadan: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/ramadan_1.shtml