Ramadan starts from 23rd/24th of April and continues through to the 23rd/24th of May 2020. This month is the holiest month of the year for Muslims because it was when the Qur'an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
Muslims fast during daylight hours when observing Ramadan. They abstain from eating, drinking or engaging in sexual relations for the duration of their fast. Certain people are exempt from fasting, such as children, pregnant women, the old, the sick and travelers.
As well as fasting, Muslims also increase in spiritual devotional acts during Ramadan, such as prayer, giving to charity and strengthening family ties. Muslims are encouraged to share their food and Ramadan experiences with friends, family and neighbours and to reach out to those who may be fasting alone.
In 2020 Ramadan will be a very different experience for Muslims all over the world due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Ramadan is a social time for Muslims and it will be challenging adapting to not having corporate prayer and spending time with family and friends.
The Muslim Council of Britain has released some advice and guidance for Muslims observing Ramadan. It includes tips for adapting during the Covid-19 restrictions, such as using online platforms to meet with family for iftars (breaking of fast) and corporate taraweeh prayers.
At asphaleia, we will be working to support our staff and young people who will be observing Ramadan and there is helpful information on the MCB website for both students and employees who are fasting. There is also advice to businesses to help Muslims workers with discussing their needs during this time. We will be encouraging our young people to share their Ramadan experiences with us and those around them.
Please take a look at the MCB page as it provides great tips for #Ramadanathome this year but also can inform you if you are not Muslim about what your Muslim colleagues, employees, and friends are doing during this month and how you could support them.