Ramadan Mubarak to all our colleagues. 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. Ramadan began yesterday evening, with today marking the first day, and ends on the evening of Tuesday 9th April.
During Ramadan, from dawn until sunset, Muslims are obliged to abstain from all forms of food and drink, including water. Most Muslims will wake before dawn for a meal before the start of their fast (known as Suhoor) and 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.
Iftar with the Faculty of Medicine
The Faculty of Medicine invites all staff and students, regardless of faith, to Iftar, a meal to break the day’s fast on Wednesday 20 March from 6:00-8:00 pm at LF9, Southampton General Hospital.
The event is open to colleagues from all faiths and none to learn about Ramadan, attend a traditional Muslim prayer service and share food and drink at Iftar.
If you are interested in attending, please follow this link to sign up.
Get Support
- Join the Faith Staff Network, a dedicated space for staff and PGRs of faith to meet, chat, and freely express and practice their beliefs. The network aims to empower individuals and represent the interests of different faith communities within the University to ensure an inclusive and tolerant environment.
- 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.
- All staff and students are welcome to the Faith and Reflection Centre, whatever beliefs they hold. Whether you need a quiet space to take a break or whether you need to talk to the chaplains who can offer a listening ear, the Faith and Reflection Centre is a place for hospitality, safety and care.
