What is Ramadan
In 2023, Ramadan will begin on the 22nd March 2023 and last for 29/30 days. It is the holiest month of the year for Muslims as it is when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world will fast, meaning they won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset.
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.
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.
The Muslim Council of Britain offers a Ramadan Guide to download on their website click HERE to find out more.
The BBC also produce a guide on their website, you can view this HERE
Initiative to support people throughout Ramadan
Ramadan and Diabetes
Diabetes UK provide information about how to stay healthy if you have diabetes and are fasting during Ramadan.
They offer tips on reducing the risks of becoming ill if you decide to fast and when it’s advisable not to fast.
You can download their factsheets about fasting and managing your diabetes during Ramadan, developed in partnership with the Muslim Council of Britain’s Diabetes Advisory Group.
You can view the information and download the factsheets from Diabetes UK on their website HERE
Supporting your Colleagues
The Spiritual, Pastoral and Religious Care (SPaRC) team at Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is made up of representatives of different beliefs. For Ramadan they are continuing their inclusive ethos by supporting their Muslim colleagues by providing Ramadan Allies, Prop Packs, pop up prayer facilities and award winning fast packs, which contain a water bottle, cool bag, dates, prayer beads and a disposable prayer mat to support all those who are fasting.
What happens at the end of Ramadan?
There is a special festival to mark the end of Ramadan. This is called Eid al-Fitr – the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.
It begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky.
Muslims will not only celebrate the end of fasting, but will also thank Allah for the help and strength that they were given throughout the previous month.
During Eid ul-Fitr Muslims dress in their finest clothes, give gifts to children and spend time with their friends and family. Muslims will also give money to charity at Eid.
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