السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh ("May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you")
Here at Greenwich, we want to mark the start of Ramadan by wishing everyone taking part Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem.
We know this year, once again that Ramadan will be a different experience as attending mosques may be limited and connecting with friends and family indoors will not be possible. We want to ensure everyone taking part in Ramadan this year has a safe and connected experience and as a university community we want to come together, in the spirit of Ramadan.
Ramadan
Ramadan for Muslims around the world means fasting during daylight hours, this year taking place between 13 April and 12 May. Not everyone takes part in Ramadan, young children, pregnant women, the old, the sick and travellers are examples of those who are exempt from fasting.
Aside from fasting, Muslims observing Ramadan also increase in spiritual devotional acts such as prayer, giving charity and strengthening family ties. Muslims are also encouraged to share their food with friends, family and neighbours and to reach out to those who may be fasting alone, to share their Ramadan experiences. – British Muslim Council
Fasting plays a role in many major world religions and Muslims, who are able to are required to fast during the month of Ramadan. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. A key objective of fasting increase in taqwa (closeness to / consciousness of God), and to engender a sense of gratitude, self-discipline and self-improvement, at both an individual and community level, which Muslims are encouraged to continue throughout the year.
For anyone taking part there are many resources for fasting at home safely during lockdown on the British Muslim Council website.
Keeping healthy during Ramadan
It is important during Ramadan to look after your health and wellbeing you can find support on staying healthy during Ramadan on the NHS website.
Sitting your exam during Ramadan
If you are sitting your exam during Ramadan you can find some information to help you prepare for your exams on our Examination and Exam Timetables webpage.
Virtual Iftar and other events
Ramadan Tents Project is hosting different events for everyone to join no matter what your faith. There are also opportunities to join a Welcome Ramadan Conference, Virtual Open Iftar and Ramadan Lates a way for everyone to stay connected.
Ramadan at home
If you are observing Ramadan this year it may be very different and for some this may mean marking Ramadan alone. We would like to hear from you and share your experiences to connect people across the university with shared experiences of Ramadan during the Covid pandemic. Please email Lauren Bull or Looqman Patni and share your stories.
Join us for Do a Good Deed for Ramadan
To celebrate the holy month of Ramadan alongside our Muslim colleagues, this year we have launched ‘Do a good deed for Ramadan’ campaign. We hope to make this a long-standing tradition at the university with a month of sharing, generosity and service to our communities. Starting on Tuesday 13 April, during this month between the hours of sunrise and sunset we are encouraging colleagues to do a good deed for Ramadan. Whether it be connecting with a friend or relative that lives alone, helping an elderly neighbour, helping in the community, volunteering at an animal shelter, or even small contribution to a charity of your choice for a cause you believe in – the list is endless, and the choice is yours. Every act of kindness will make the world a better place.
Remember this is a great opportunity to get involved with helping others and it doesn’t have to stop at the end of Ramadan. For ideas about volunteering you can visit Do-It.org.uk.
Take part and share your Good Deed for Ramadan
If you’re taking part, we would like to share your stories of good deeds with students and colleagues across the university. Please tell us what you’re doing by emailing Lauren Bull or Looqman Patni and share your stories.
