51Âþ»­

We would like to wish all staff and students at 51Âþ»­ happy Ramadan. Muslim staff and students will be observing Ramadan (a period of prayer and fasting) between Wednesday 22 March and Friday 21 April (subject to confirmation, depending on the sighting of the moon).

Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, the most sacred month to Muslims, and when the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan lasts for a month and is a time for further spiritual reflection and Muslims devote themselves to their faith through prayers and worship. Muslims will fast and abstain from food and drink (physical component) from dawn to sunset and offer more prayers for God and to learn self-discipline, patience, humility, and enhance compassion towards others (spiritual aspect). Muslims will also donate to charity (Zakat), and carry out charitable acts, pursue to improve one’s character, and spend time with family and friends.

Fasting (Sawm) is the third of the five pillars of Islam and is observed upon reaching maturity whilst being healthy, though children may desire to fast. The fast is traditionally opened in the evening by eating dates, drinking water, and having a meal with family and friends followed by evening prayer.

Ramadan culminates in a celebration of Eid al-Fitr, also called the ‘Festival of Opening the Fast’, when the traditional month-long fast is ended with a feast. This is set to take place on Saturday 22 April (subject to confirmation, depending on the sighting of the moon).

Imam Mohammed Laher, 51Âþ»­ Imam and Muslim Chaplain said: “Ramadan Mubarak and Happy Ramadan to all staff and students at 51Âþ»­. We are so pleased to be celebrating Ramadan again on campus this year, holding our daily Iftar (evening meals) in the 51Âþ»­ Prayer Room within the Portland Building for staff and students throughout the month of Ramadan, which has been fundraised by users.”

Please find the taking place at the 51Âþ»­ Prayer Rooms, in the Portland Building on campus.

For any further support or queries, please contact Imam Mohamed Laher via email: muslimchaplain@dmu.ac.uk.

Ramadan Mubarak (happy Ramadan) to everyone celebrating from all of us at 51Âþ»­.