Observing Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar
This year Ramadan will begin Monday 11th March on the sighting of the new moon.
Lasting for 30 days, Ramadan will end on Tuesday 9 April, with the celebratory days of Eid Al-Fitr (celebration of breaking the fast).
What is Ramadan?
The observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the five key practices that are mandatory for Muslims to observe. The other pillars include the declaration of faith, prayer, giving to charity and making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Ramadan remembers the month the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims all over the world. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during the day.
Enam Islam, iCAN Manchester Lead and Director of Jenzah Consulting Ltd explains the importance of Ramadan:
“Ramadan is truly a blessed month. No other month brings families and communities together quite like Ramadan. It’s a time when we strive to purify our minds, bodies, and souls through fasting and engaging in charitable activities. It provides us with the chance to seek forgiveness, to forgive others, and to truly appreciate the blessings we’ve been given. But most importantly, Ramadan is an opportunity for us to feel closer to our Creator, Allah.”
The 40 Hadiths of Ramadan
Hadiths are narrations or sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad in Islam. They provide guidance, wisdom, and interpretations of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, by elaborating on its teachings and providing practical examples.
There are 40 Hadiths that Muslims refer to throughout the Holy Month, one of which is:
Ramadan Mubarak: Gates of Heaven & Hell
“The month of Ramaḍān has come to you, a blessed month in which Allah – Exalted and Majestic is He – has obligated (its) fasting upon you. In it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell-fire are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained. In it, Allah has a night which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is truly deprived!” (Nasā’ī 2106)
From the guidance Ibn-Rajab, an Islamic scholar and theologian, comments that congratulations should be given to everyone on the arrival of Ramadan! It's a significant occasion as the gates of Paradise open, offering believers immense spiritual opportunities.
Similarly, the closure of the gates of Hell provides relief for those who may have strayed. Furthermore, the suppression of malevolent forces during this time is advantageous for the righteous. In essence, Ramadan holds a unique significance unparalleled by any other period.”
How is Ramadan observed?
Most Muslim people fast between dawn to sunset and devote themselves to their faith during the period of Ramadan.
Fasting teaches self-discipline and reminds observers of the suffering of the poor. During Ramadan, observers have one meal just before dawn and then another after sunset. Children, pregnant women, elders and anyone who is ill is exempt from fasting.
Also, Muslims try to read the Qur’an at least once during Ramadan and join special services in Mosques.
Ramadan is a significant spiritual practice for Muslims around the world which has a lot of practices and traditions associated with it:
Intention (Niyyath): Begin each day of fasting with a sincere intention to observe the fast for the sake of Allah. This is a crucial aspect of the fast, emphasising the spiritual nature of the act.
Suhoor and Iftar: Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins, and Iftar is the meal to break the fast after sunset. Plan nutritious and balanced meals for both Suhoor and Iftar to ensure sustained energy throughout the day.
Fasting (Sawm): Abstain from food, drink, smoking and sinful behaviour during the daylight hours. The fast is not just about refraining from physical needs but also avoiding negative actions and thoughts.
Prayer (Salah): Increase your prayers during Ramadan, including the five daily prayers and additional nightly prayers like Tarawih. Use this time for spiritual reflection and to strengthen your connection with Allah.
Quran Reading: Devote time to reading and reflecting on the Quran. Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadan, and its recitation holds special significance during this time.
Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Engage in acts of charity and generosity. Pay Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and consider giving additional Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to those in need.
Reflection and Repentance (Tawbah): Use the month of Ramadan for self-reflection, self-discipline and seeking forgiveness for past mistakes. Repentance is an essential aspect of spiritual growth.
Patience (Sabr): Develop patience and resilience, especially when faced with challenges or difficulties. The practice of patience is integral to the spiritual growth gained through fasting.
Gratitude (Shukr): Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the blessings you have. Recognise and appreciate the provisions and privileges in your life.
Community and Family: Strengthen ties with family and friends. Engage in community events, if possible, and share the spirit of Ramadan with those around you.
Health and Well-being: While fasting, pay attention to your health. Ensure that you stay hydrated during non-fasting hours and maintain a balanced diet. If you have health concerns, consult with a healthcare professional.
Avoiding Negative Behaviour: Use Ramadan as an opportunity to break negative habits and cultivate positive ones. Work on controlling anger, gossip and other behaviours that go against the principles of Islam.
How can you support your colleagues and friends who observe Ramadan?
For those observing Ramadan, it can be a challenging time - both physically and mentally.
Here are a few ways we can support our colleagues and friends during Ramadan:
Be respectful
It's important to be respectful of your colleagues’ and friends' religious beliefs and practices. This means being mindful of their fasting and refraining from eating or drinking in front of them during daylight hours.
Be flexible
Ramadan can be a busy time for those observing it, with additional prayers and other religious obligations. It's important to be flexible and understanding if colleagues need to adjust their schedules or take time off for religious observances.
Be supportive
Offer your support to colleagues who are participating in Ramadan. This could mean checking in with them to see how they're doing, offering to help with their workload or simply being there to listen if they need to talk.
Be inclusive
Consider hosting a Ramadan iftar (breaking of the fast) or other Ramadan-related events to show your support for colleagues who observe Ramadan.
Be informed
Take the time to learn more about Ramadan and what it means to your colleagues who observe it. This will help you to better understand their needs and how you can support them.
Be accommodating
Muslim employees may need breaks to perform afternoon prayers (Dhuhr and Asr), even if it requires adjusting typical break and lunch times, particularly crucial for those observing Ramadan to fulfil their religious obligations promptly.
Remain mindful and receptive to discussing Ramadan with your employees and inquire about the support or adjustments they may require.
Common terms used during Ramadan
"Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan)
"Ramadan Kareem" (Generous Ramadan)
"Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid).
Remember, Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food, it's a holistic approach to spiritual growth, self-discipline and compassion towards others.
Resources
About iCAN
The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) is a leading organisation committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector. Established in 2017, iCAN has been instrumental in spotlighting cultural awareness, fostering talent, and championing diversity within the industry.