Ramadhan Mubarak! Your Space Leeds would like to wish you a blessed and productive Ramadhan.
Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar for 29/30 days depending on the moon Muslim’s spend the daylight hours in complete fast abstaining from all food and drink.
Ramadhan is a time to purify the soul, focus ones attention to Allah (God) practice self-discipline and sacrifice a time for reflection.
- Ramadhan (Sawm) is one of the 5 Pillars of Islam – five activities that shape a Muslim’s life:
- Shahada (Professing one’s faith)
- Namaz (Prayer 5 times a day)
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
- Zakat (Charity)
The physical effects of the fast are felt by Muslims as a reminder of those who suffer throughout the year – those who are poor, homeless, refugees – and who cannot meet their basic needs. It reminds Muslims not to be wasteful and to feel empathy for those who face hunger on a daily basis. Muslims feel gratitude for the bounties of Allah such as clean water, sufficient healthy food, comfort of a home, health of our family members. There are so many people in the world who must survive without these basic needs and Ramadhan is a time for Muslim’s to give thanks and charity (zakat) to those less fortunate.
The physical demands of balancing work, school and looking after someone while fasting all day can take its toll particularly this Year with Covid – 19 impacting on our daily lives so it is important to look after your health and well-being.
People with an illness or disability may be exempt from fasting due to medical reasons; you can speak with your GP/Consultant or local Imam (scholar) for further guidance.
Ramadan and Eid are traditionally a time of coming together with loved ones but this will be difficult this year due to the current lockdown. It is especially important to look out for those who may feel isolated and vulnerable, make time to call and check on one another.
The end of Ramadhan is celebrated with Eid ul Fitr, Muslims greet each other by saying Eid Mubarak! (Happy Eid)
Shuria Alam – Touchstone Yours Space Team