Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims worldwide, observed with fasting, prayer, reflection and community. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered a time of spiritual purification and progress. During Ramadan, from dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. The fast is broken each day with the evening meal known as Iftar, typically started with dates and water or fruit juice followed by a traditional meal. The day begins again with a pre-dawn meal, Suhoor.

Historically, Ramadan marks the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. In terms of importance to British Muslims, it means adhering to the same practices of fasting and prayer, even in a non-Muslim majority country. It’s a time for compassion and generosity; many Muslims in the UK increase their charitable giving during this month. This aspect is particularly emphasized amidst the diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts existing in the UK, including supporting the local communities and the less fortunate.

In the United Kingdom, Ramadan is observed through community Iftars, prayer in mosques and homes, and many also engage in increased reading of the Quran. Community centres often accommodate large community Iftars, particularly for those who may be fasting alone. The timings for Ramadan in the UK are dictated by the lunar calendar and thus change each year. Due to the geographical location of the UK, fasting hours can vary greatly, with up to 18 hours of fast in the summer months when Ramadan coincides with longer daylight hours. The beginning and end of Ramadan are officially confirmed by sightings of the moon, which are then disseminated through mosques and Islamic groups across the country.