Ramadan

In the UK, Ramadan is set to begin on the evening of 2 April 2022, and last until 1 May.

Ramadan begins once the new crescent moon appears in the sky, and ends after 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon cycle. This means the dates vary around the world.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, although one can fast throughout the year this pillar is most commonly associated with the month of Ramadan.

Muslims are exempt from fasting if you are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Menstruating
• Diabetic
• Very ill
• Travelling long distances

During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from things like violence, anger, envy, greed and lust, and trying harder to get along with everybody. Ramadan therefore helps in moulding, shaping, and reforming the spiritual and moral aspects of the human being.

Many Muslims will wake up before sunrise each day and eat a large meal, called the Sahoor. They then engage in the day’s first session of prayer, known as the Fajr.

The fast is broken with the Iftar meal after sunset, which precedes the Maghrib, the fourth prayer of the day.

Devout Muslims always pray five times a day, and these prayers take on added significance during Ramadan.

For more information about Ramadan and how to support your colleagues at work, please take a look at the link below:

Ramadan in the workplace 101 – What you need to know – BBC Bitesize