Ramadan 2019 at DMU

DMU is proud of its diverse community and, this month, many staff and students of the Islamic faith will be observing Ramadan (a period of fasting) between 5 May and 4 June.*

Ramadan is a spiritually important period for Muslims as they devote themselves to prayers and worship. There is also an emphasis on community and charity during this time.

Ramadan lasts for 29-30 days and those fasting won't eat or drink from dawn to sunset. The fast opening, or iftar, each evening is often a communal experience with family and friends followed by evening prayers.

Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr which lasts three days and is set to take place on Wednesday 5 June.

Prayer facilities ​

• The prayer room is located on the lower ground floor of the Portland Building and will be open on weekdays from 7am to 3am, and weekends from 12pm to 3am.

• DMU students local and international wishing to observe their prayers, recite and listen to the Qur’an, and partake in opening their fast are welcome to visit the Prayer Room in the Portland Building. 

  Meals are funded by the Prayer Room users’ for DMU students and staff, and it is an opportunity relished by students to share meals and meet other colleagues within campus in the evenings. This set-up has supported Ramadan activities for students from various parts of the world who are away from their families. The provision has allowed them to concentrate on their studies, exams and their religious worship, without worrying to arrange and prepare food, or eat alone or insufficiently during Ramadan.

• See Prayer and fasting times.
  

 Healthy eating tips during Ramadan

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Swap white carbohydrates for wholemeal alternatives for pasta and rice, for example.  
• Avoid fried food, sugary food and drinks.

Open Community Iftar - 22 May

DMU will be hosting an open community iftar event in Hawthorn Square. The event will start at 7pm with a series of talks and activities.  Food will be served after prayers held at 9pm.

For more information see DMU Muslim Chaplain, Imam Mohammed Laher's Ramadan guide or email him at muslimchaplain@dmu.ac.uk

 Open Faith

At DMU our OpenFaith initiative supports students of all faiths and none through a variety of wellbeing and spiritual activities. Our breathing space continues to provide all students with peaceful and relaxing area to unwind and connect through mindfulness or worship. OpenFaith recognises the sanctity of religious festivals and our student cohesion officer has previously supported DMU Islamic society students in celebrating Ramadan and Eid through events and activities on campus. If you are interested in booking the breathing space this Ramadan please do get in touch via mehjabeen.rahim@dmu.ac.uk.

 *The exact dates for Ramadan may vary as the month is based on the lunar calendar. Ramadan and Eid will only be determined on the late evening of 4 May and 3 June respectively.