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Ramadan FAQs
Why do Muslims fast?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is marked by fasting, reflection, charity and additional prayer. Our staff have recorded a video to explain (see link at end of the document).
Muslims believe that the first verses of Islam's holy scripture, the Quran, were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Jibril (the angel Gabriel) in this month.
Fasting involves complete abstention from food and drink between the early dawn and sunset.
Fasting is important during Ramadan as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah (God). In Arabic this is called ‘taqwa’, which means becoming conscious of Allah in all actions.
Fasting encourages affinity with the poor.
Charity work in local communities typically increases during Ramadan and many Muslims will donate their obligatory annual Zakat (2.5% of overall wealth) to charities during the month.
Some scientific studies have shown that fasting provides several health benefits.
At a community level, the breaking of fast meal (iftar) at sunset encourages families and local communities to share their meal together.
Who fasts?
Fasting is prescribed for all healthy males and females once they attain the age of puberty (this is relative based on the physiological and psychological make-up of each individual).
However, it is a common practice for Muslim children to begin fasting before they attain puberty, to become progressively accustomed to the act.
Although fasting for the entire month is not prescribed until the age of puberty, many children aged 10 and 11 (Years 5 and 6) may be seen observing the daily fast for the entire month. Some children may be encouraged by their parents to fast only on certain days of the week, especially the weekends. It is also important to be aware that young children are more likely to fast when Ramadan falls in the winter months, when the days are shorter, and the climate is cooler.
There are certain circumstances and conditions in which Muslims are exempt from fasting, which include menstruating women, those pregnant or breast-feeding, those for whom fasting has a detrimental effect on their overall wellbeing, those who depend on medication for their health, and travellers facing hardship due to fasting.
Any missed fasting days are made up by fasting on days outside of Ramadan, or feeding the poor if one is unable to fast.
What does fasting look like this year?
Muslims follow the lunar calendar; this year Ramadan will start on 1 / 2 March.
Fasting continues for 29 or 30 days.
This year, the fasts start between 4-5am and end around 6-7pm apart from the last couple which will be slightly longer.
Muslims end their fast with a date and the iftar meal.
The day ends with additional night prayers being offered at the mosque or home for some Muslims.
Eid
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the two most important festivals in Islam. It marks the end of a month of fasting and most parents will want to celebrate with their families and communities.
Eid will likely fall on Sunday 30 March, Monday 31 March or Tuesday 1 April. However, as this is based on physical sighting of the moon, this will only be confirmed the day before.
How can you support students?
If they are tired, have a chat to them about their routine.
Encourage them to hydrate well: dehydration can lead to headaches, tiredness and lack of focus and concentration.
Food: encourage them to eat slow burning foods when having their breakfast / suhoor, as that can give them energy gradually through the day.
Show empathy and understanding.
Contact families or speak to progress tutors where there are concerns with health, absence or performance.
Remind students that they must honour their commitments to their studies as they would all other aspects of their everyday lives.
Activities and learning
Although the discipline and the challenge of fasting is to continue with the normality of everyday life, staff should exercise a degree of understanding.
Strenuous activity during fasting may make some children and adults feel tired or drowsy or develop headaches due to dehydration.
Some students or adults may need to reduce physical exertion during fasting, while others may wish to continue as normal, according to their tolerance levels.
If a student becomes really ill, they are able to break their fast and make it up at a later date.
How can you support staff?
Be aware that staff who are fasting may take some time to get used to the Ramadan routine and may feel tired, especially in the first few days.
Be aware that staff who are fasting are likely to start very early and finish the day late throughout the month. Be mindful of events which involve working late or require long distance travel and allow adjustments where this can be accommodated operationally.
Be mindful of events or activities which are planned which involve food and drink so that fasting staff can opt out of these elements if they wish.
Don’t be afraid to talk to colleagues about Ramadan and fasting. However, we would also encourage staff to take time to learn about different cultures and beliefs In line with our ED&I strategy, we want to foster curiosity and understanding to help us create an inclusive culture where all staff and students feel like they belong.
For further information watch this video where we talk to colleagues across our Trust about what Ramadan means to them and how we can support staff and students
Additional information and guidance