Ramadan (2 April – 1 May 2022)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar where Muslims all over the world try to attain nearness and closeness to their God through devotion and commitment to fasting and prayers. This year Ramadan falls from the 2 April to the 1 May because of the Islamic Lunar calendar. It is believed that during this time was when the first verses of the Qur’an (holy book) were revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Fasting means eating for a period of time before dawn (Suhoor) to prepare for a day without consuming food and drink until the time of sunset which signals for the opening of the fast (Iftar). Fasting is an important act of worship; not only is it the fifth pillar of Islam (the groundwork of the whole religion), but it's an opportunity for building a closer relationship with Allah.

However, for many Muslims, Ramadan is much more than abstaining from eating or drinking during daylight hours. When observing Ramadan, people are encouraged to take this time to engage in extra prayers, more charity, volunteering, provide khidma (service) and generally establish good habits and work to eliminate any bad ones. It's a time for community, self-reflection, gratitude, spirituality, self-discipline, humility and empathy.

At the end of Ramadan, Muslim people celebrate Eid ul Fitr which roughly translates to ‘the fast-breaking festival’. This is where people take a day to celebrate the end of the month of Ramadan with friends and family. It’s a time of celebration, joy and togetherness. This year, this is looking to be on the evening of 1st May and runs until the evening of the 2nd May. On this day people say ‘Eid Mubarak’ which means ‘Have a blessed Eid’!

Guidance for managers and members of staff

• Be aware and open to discussing Ramadan and what support or adjustments Muslim staff members would like.
• Observance may vary between individuals due to health, travel and other personal circumstances.
• Members of staff may request leave over this period, for example, to work half-days and/or shorter working weeks to enable them to observe Ramadan. Other Muslim colleagues may request more flexible working arrangements. Leave requests are also likely to be made to enable staff to celebrate Eid with their families at the end of Ramadan. These requests should be managed in line with all existing University HR policies.
• Managers may wish to consider their meeting times over this period which enables the contribution of most members of staff. Earlier meetings may be preferred but ask staff members how you can accommodate them.
• Check in on staff and student wellbeing.
• Try and avoid social activities or working lunches during Ramadan.
• All members of staff are advised to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and understanding to balance supporting our staff to manage their Ramadan commitments, alongside ensuring we meet all our business needs.

The Students’ Union have shared some tips on how to show support to those observing, an FAQ on everything you want to know about Ramadan and some events members of staff are welcome to join:

I'm a colleague who works with staff that are observing Ramadan, how can I be a great ally?

1. Exchange Ramadan greetings by saying “Ramadan Kareem,” which translates into “Have a generous Ramadan,” or “Ramadan Mubarak,” which roughly translates into “Happy Ramadan.”
2. Be mindful that staff might be fasting for long hours over the next month. Be kind!
3. Read this FAQ by a previous staff member to educate yourself.

Q&A with Alumni Postgraduate Researcher Dr Rahema Nadeem (3 May 2019) 

 Everything you've ever wanted to know about Ramadan 

Why you do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
The date of the beginning of Ramadan commemorates when the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad (pbuh) according to Islam. Muslims fast during Ramadan as that has been commanded in the Quran; this was done to increase spiritual reflection, improve devotion and increase worshiping. The point of fasting is to be in the shoes of those who are poor and have food and water as a luxury, as opposed to those of us who have it readily available whenever we want. Fasting is meant to make one realise the importance of everyday luxuries such as food and water. 

How long is the fast?
The fast lasts from sunrise until sunset.

What is Iftaar and what is Suhur?
Iftaar is the meal we have when we break the fast at sunset and Suhur is the morning meal we have before we start the fast at sunrise.

Can you drink water during the fast?
No.

What is the significance of the date of Ramadan? Why does it change?
Ramadan is one of the 12 months in the Islamic calendar that follows the lunar cycle. As the moon cycle changes because it can either be 29 days or 30 days, so does the date for Ramadan (and all the other months of the Islamic calendar). That is why sometimes Muslims don’t know until the day before if they will be fasting tomorrow or if they will be celebrating Eid the next day or not! 

What are some of the religious practices that Muslims must observe during Ramadan?
Apart from fasting, Muslims tend to do a lot of charity during Ramadan. This is because in the Quran it says that if they do charity while fasting, they get even more rewards for it as instead of thinking of only one’s own self they are thinking of others. This also promotes empathy for the people who don’t have the luxury that we might have. Refraining, getting angry, swearing, being mean, or anything negative, is also discouraged. It is easy to get ‘hangry’ when you’re fasting, so that’s why it is a real test of your patience! Apart from that, Muslims are encouraged to be regular in their prayers and recitation of the Quran during Ramadan.

Is it better for non-Muslims/people not participating in Ramadan to avoid eating and drinking in front of people who are fasting or not?
There is no right or wrong answer to this, to be honest. If anybody is not fasting and they are having lunch or a snack, it is absolutely fine. Eating and drinking is completely normal, and Ramadan is about increasing one’s own patience by reflection instead of asking everyone around you to walk on eggshells. In any case, if someone wants to not eat/drink in front of a person fasting then that is fine too, and I would thank them for being considerate and helpful. For me personally, it gives me ideas on what I can make for Iftaar!

When do you not have to fast in Ramadan?
You don’t have to fast when you’re sick/ill, travelling, pregnant or on your period. A lot of the time Muslims might miss any fasts because of other reasons, such as not waking up for Suhur because you didn’t set enough alarms!

What can you do if you miss a fast?
You can either make up for it by fasting after Ramadan. I tend to do that in winter because the days are quite short.  You can also make up by paying Fidyah. Fidyah is when you cannot fast and cannot make up the lost fasts afterwards, you pay for someone else to be fed. According to Islamic Relief UK, the present rate is £5 for each day that is missed (this should provide one person with two meals or two people with one meal). If someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan, they would need to pay £150. 

What age do Muslims start fasting?
Depending on the culture it can range from the age of 7 until the teens. Children are eased into it by doing half day fasts. Some are often caught sneaking food or drinks! 

Does it bother Muslims when non-Muslims say something like “Oh I could never do that”?
Me personally, no it does not. Generally fasting is difficult and anyone, Muslim or non-Muslim, would find it hard. But because Muslims see it as obligation and become used to it after years and years of Ramadan, they can somehow get through it.

Do you lose weight in Ramadan because of all the fasting?
No. We actually gain weight because we usually binge eat at Iftaar. And usually Iftaar has all these sweets and fried foods that are not normally cooked the rest of the year. I’m hoping to follow a diet plan this Ramadan so I don’t binge, but I am sure all the photos of Iftaar food will make me give in to my cravings at Iftaar time. If anyone suffers with an eating disorder, Ramadan can be especially hard, there is some information and support on the Beat website.

What is Eid after Ramadan? What do you do on Eid Day?
When Ramadan ends, the first day of the next month is called Eid. It is like a celebration of Muslims finishing Ramadan. We get new clothes and shoes; we have this thing called Eidi where the elders give money to the young of the family. Eid prayers are performed on the morning of the Eid Day and after the prayers everybody wishes Eid Mubarak to each other.

Thank you so much to Rahema for sharing such an honest insight into Ramadan!

Events

The Islamic Society Iftar 
Oastler OA4/02
Wednesday 6 April 2022 (7.15-10.00pm)

Join us for a night of food and prayer as we open our fast together - join us in OA4/02 on Wednesday 6 April. Please arrive promptly to ensure we can open our fast and pray on time! Doors will open at 7.15pm in’Shaa’Allah. We look forward to having you join us!  The Islamic Society Iftar.

Open Jummah (Friday Prayers)

University Square
Friday 8 April 2022 (1.15-1.45pm)

Join us for open Jummah (Friday Prayers). We will be inviting a student to speak from 1:15pm and lead the Prayer. The prayer will be starting at 1.30pm. We look forward to seeing you!

Ramadan Kits

The Ramadan Kits are free for Muslim students observing Ramadan and for those that are interested in learning more about Ramadan (staff are welcome to pick up the kits to share with students). Iftar is the meal we have when we break the fast at sunset. Iftar is a time for families, friends and neighbours to spend together, break fast and share food.

The Ramadan Kits contain informational content on Ramadan, prayers, dates, and a Ramadan Kareem greeting card for individuals to give to someone observing Ramadan. These kits will be available to collect from the SU front desk from the 4 April until the 29 April between Monday and Friday.