Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Ramadan is a commemoration of the revelation of the Holy Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and the annual observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
It is a month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. During this month Muslims will fast from sunrise having a predawn meal known as Suhur and a meal a sunset, breaking the fast, called Iftar.
This year, due to the current situation with the coronavirus, our Muslim friends and families will be adapting to social distancing restrictions, as lockdown measures continues to have an impact on our religious activities. Most recently, Christians celebrating Easter also faced the same difficulties during their religious observance. This means that the tradition of gathering together for Suhur and Iftar with the extended friends and families will be restricted. For more information about observing Ramadan during lockdown, please visit the Muslim Council of Britain website.
Over the past few years, during this holy month, the University of Birmingham Islamic Society offered an Iftar every evening in the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, for students, staff and their families. This year we will be having to adapt to a different kind of Ramadan and we will be unable to provide iftars at the University.
The Islamic Society will be offering talks every Monday during the month. Visit the Islamic Society Instagram page for further information on how to join their talks.
Below are few sources of support and information on what is happening locally and nationally to support you in your observance of the Holy month.
We wish you all a blessed Ramadan (27 April 2020)