We would like to wish all staff and students at DMU happy Ramadan. Muslim staff and students will be observing Ramadan (a period of prayer and fasting) between the evening of Monday 12 April and Tuesday 11 May (subject to confirmation, depending on the sighting of the moon).
Ramadan is a very important time in the Islamic calendar, taking 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 is a time for spiritual reflection and Muslims devote themselves to their faith through prayers and worship. During Ramadan, Muslims will donate to charity (Zakat), and carry out charitable acts, pursue to improve one’s character, enhance compassion towards others, and spend time with family and friends.
Ramadan lasts for 30 days and Muslims who are healthy will fast (Sawm) and abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset as fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is also great time to start a healthy diet. The fast is traditionally opened in the evening by eating dates and drinking water 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 Wednesday 12 May (subject to confirmation, depending on the sighting of the moon).
Due to COVID-19 we understand that Ramadan will be very different for staff and students this year and want to reassure you that we are here to support you.
Mohammed Laher, DMU Imam and Muslim Faith Advisor said: “Ramadan Mubarak to all staff and students at DMU. Ramadan is very different this year due to Covid-19. Prior to lockdown, DMU students were offered meals on campus fundraised by the Prayer Room. However, this year users will need to make alternative arrangements either in their local mosque or at home. Please do feel free to contact me for support.”
For any virtual support or queries, please contact DMU’s Imam Mohammed Laher, you can email him on muslimchaplain@dmu.ac.uk. Mohammed will also be posting videos on Ramadan to DMU’s Instagram (dmuleicester) and Twitter (@dmuleicester) accounts, so keep an eye out for these.
Further advice and support is available in this document produced by The British Board of Scholars & Imams.
Ramadan Mubarak to everyone celebrating from all of us at DMU.
Posted on Friday 9 April 2021