Ramadan is held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a time for spiritual reflection, acts of charity, and spending time with loved ones. This year, Ramadan is set to begin on Wednesday 22 March and end on Thursday 20 April. The exact start and end dates can vary slightly, depending on the sighting of the moon as Muslims follow the lunar calendar.
Throughout the holy month of fasting, Muslims abstain from all forms of food and drink (including water) from dawn until sunset. Most Muslims will wake before dawn for a meal before the start of their fast (known as Suhoor), break their fast (known as Iftar) with dates and water at sunset, and then a meal.
The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen. Muslims will not only celebrate the end of fasting but also thank Allah for the strength they were given throughout the previous month.
Dr Aiman Alzetani is our Muslim Faith Advisor at the Faith and Reflection Centre says:
“Alsalam Alikum,(Peace Be Upon You), as the Muslim faith advisor, I would like to assure you that your spiritual needs and wellbeing are important and will be catered for. This will be through setting up a unique multi-faith staff group. To join the group contact me on [email protected].
On the eve of 12 April we will be breaking the fast together with an Iftar in the Faith and Reflection Centre, please contact me [email protected] if you like to join us and I will send you the details. Have a great Ramadan!”
There is a Muslim prayer room on Highfield campus, which the Islamic Society helps to maintain. There are also prayer rooms at the Sir James Matthews Building and the University Hospital. Quiet rooms can be used for prayer at the National Oceanography Centre, the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, and Winchester School of Art.
