Ramadan Mubarak!
Ramadan Mubarak!
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by practicing Muslims as a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer.
Here are some key points about Ramadan:
Ramadan’s Importance and Significance in Islam.
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Ramadan is significant and important in Islam as Ramadan commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. It is a sacred time when Muslims reflect on their faith and seek spiritual growth.
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Observance of Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental principles guiding a Muslim’s life.
Fasting and Spiritual Practices
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During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (suhoor) until sunset (iftar). Fasting involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours.
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Fasting allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith, practice self-discipline, and empathize with the suffering of the less fortunate.
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Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those who are ill or traveling are not required to fast.
Eid ul-Fitr
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The end of Ramadan is marked by a joyous celebration called Eid ul-Fitr (the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast).
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Muslims dress in their finest clothes, give gifts to children, and spend time with family and friends. Charity (zakat al-Fitr) is given to those in need, and special prayers are held in mosques.
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In summary, Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and community bonding for Muslims worldwide. It serves as a reminder of compassion and gratitude to Allah.
How can you support Muslim students and colleagues during Ramadan?
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Learn About Ramadan: Educate yourself about Ramadan, its significance, and the practices involved. Understand that fasting during daylight hours is a central aspect of this month.
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Respect Their Fasting: Be mindful that Muslims who observe Ramadan may be fasting from dawn to sunset. Avoid scheduling meetings or events during mealtimes (suhoor and iftar).
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Be Supportive and Flexible: If someone is feeling tired due to fasting, offer encouragement and understanding. Offer flexibility for breaks and prayer during the day.
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Ask and understand individual needs: Ask Muslim students and colleagues how you can best support them during Ramadan. Recognize that everyone’s experience during Ramadan is unique. Some may find fasting easy, while others may struggle. Be attentive to their needs.
What activities and communities can I get involved with during Ramadan?
For many at LJMU, faith is an important part of their student identity. Our student led communities and societies offer support and connection for students – support which remains incredibly valuable during Ramadan and other celebrations of faith.
JMSU’s Islamic society (ISOC) will be recognising and supporting fellow students during Ramadan this year, along with their usual timetable for brother/sister meetings. If you wish to learn more, their Instagram @LJMUISOC posts the most up to date information regularly, where you can also find links to their other socials, events, and booklets.
Some of the events over the coming weeks which ISOC are hosting for Ramadan include:
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13th March. Celebrate Ramadan: Break your fast with ISOC @ SLB 206 – 17:45
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16th March. Celebrate Ramadan: Break your fast with ISOC @ LJMU Sports Hall (time tbc)
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23rd March. Celebrate Ramadan: Break your fast with ISOC @ LJMU Sports Hall (time tbc)
ISOC also actively encourages non-members to come to their Iftar’s, panels, and meetings during Ramadan and throughout the year! If you are new to the faith and wish to learn more about Islam and find comfort in a loving and supportive community, don't forget to sign up to their events!
Us at JMSU will also be handing out iftar packs for the first two weeks of Ramadan (11th-22nd March). These are limited, so don’t forget to head on down to JMSU reception in the Student Life Building and follow the link for more information! Ramadan Mubarak!
✍ Izzy Hoyle, JMSU Content Creator
