Thu 28 Mar. 2024
Ramadan 2024
Jordan Hurst, Deputy Diversity coordinator, Insurance Institute of Manchester, explores the background of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with help from Nora Elhediny, Graduate Loss Adjuster at McLarens, looking at:
· When and what is Ramadan?
· Why Ramadan is celebrated?
· What can you do to be mindful of others during Ramadan?
· Additional sources of information
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The lunar calendar rotates by approximately 10-11 days each year and therefore the exact dates of Ramadan will change depending on the year. This year, Ramadan begins on the evening of Sunday 10th March 2024 and is expected to conclude on Tuesday 9th April 2024.What is Ramadan?
Muslims taking part in Ramadan abstain from food, drink, and impure thoughts in order to focus on prayer in between sunrise and sunset. It is emphasised during this month to recite the Quran and pray and to try to purify the soul and abstain from sin. There are additional prayers for the 30 days of Ramadan straight after ‘Isha’ , which is prayer number 5/5 for Muslims.
Many Muslims will go to the mosque to participate in and earn more good deeds during the month with the aim to one day reach heaven.
Fasting during Ramadan is meant to encourage Muslims to reflect spiritually and allow them to understand the pain and suffering of the millions of others who live in poverty or famine, in addition to teaching them about patience and self-control as they have to ignore the urge to eat or drink.
Once the month is over, Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated, which is a festival of breaking the fast. The day starts with a prayer at sunrise to start the celebration. It is forbidden to voluntarily fast on this day in Islam and it’s a day where Muslims indulge in feasts and celebrate with family their hard work and commitment during the month of Ramadan. The celebration is a 3-day period where Muslims may exchange gifts or money with each other.
Why is Ramadan Celebrated?
Ramadan is named after the Arabic root “ar-ramad”, which means scorching heat. Muslims believe that in A.D. 610, the angel Gabriel appeared to prophet Muhammad and revealed the Quran to him. This is believed to have happened during Ramadan. This night is known as ‘laylat al Qadr’ (Night of Power) .
Muslims don’t know when this night will be, but it is believed it could be within the last 10 days of Ramadan, so Muslims spend those days asking for forgiveness and in prayer.
How can we be mindful of others participating in Ramadan?
· Be mindful of your colleagues’ beliefs. Muslim colleagues will be fasting during daylight hours and be aware of this yourself.
· Colleagues may need support and understanding during this busy month; some colleagues may need breaks for afternoon prayers, for example.
· Consider hosting Ramadan related events in your business to support colleagues observing Ramadan.
· Ask your friends/colleagues about their traditions and religious beliefs as they’d be more than happy to share with you.
Sources https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/ramadan
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-56695447
https://muslimhands.org.uk/ramadan/what-is-ramadan
https://www.i-can.me/blog/observing-ramadan-the-ninth-month-of-the-islamic-lunar-calendar
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