Selamat Ramadan

What is Ramadan?

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won't eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This is called fasting. Fasting is important during Ramadan as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah, or God.Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. Normally, people will make a special effort to connect with their communities and reach out to people who need help. It is common to have a meal (known as the suhoor) just before dawn and another (known as the iftar) directly after sunset. At the end of the fast - when the sun has gone down - usually, families and friends will get together for iftar to break their fast. The Muslim Council of Britain is advising families and friends to video call each other during iftar this year during lockdown. Many Muslims also usually go to the mosque to pray, when lockdown restrictions aren't in place. Some mosques have been holding virtual services online for people to watch together.


Why does it fall now?
Ramadan falls during this month because this is when the holy book that's followed by Muslims, called the Qur'an, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, but the date changes each year. This is because Islam uses the lunar calendar (based on the cycles of the Moon), so it isn't a fixed date in the Western/solar calendar.

Sending my best wishes to you on this holy occasion. Have a wonderful Ramadan Kareem, our Muslim colleague!