Culture Club celebrates Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims. During this month, Muslims observe a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink, not even water, during these daylight hours.

In 2023, the first day of fasting started at sundown on Wednesday, 22 March and will end at sundown on Friday, 21 April.

Fasting times in 2023 are between 4:15am and 6:30pm at the beginning of Ramadan and 4:00am and 8:30pm by the end of Ramadan.

During Ramadan many Muslims go to the mosque and spend several hours praying. In addition to the five daily prayers that are part of the core of Islam, Muslims recite a special prayer called the Tarawih prayer (night prayer). The last ten nights of Ramadan are especially important and many Muslims will increase in their nightly prayers and devotion.

At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, a feast that celebrates the breaking of the fast takes place. Gifts are exchanged and friends and families gather for festive meals. Special gifts are also given to the poor.

What we do in Ramadan - Zishan and Yusuf's story...

In the morning we wake up at between 3am and 4am and have a big breakfast. After this we pray one of our five daily prayers before we go back to sleep and have a short nap again before school.

During the school day we do not eat or drink. It can be hard (especially when it’s hot outside or when we have been doing PE) as we get really thirsty and tired.

After school we pray our daily prayers that we have missed during school time and pray some Quran.

Our parents usually prepare the food we will have in the evening meal.

At about 6.30pm we will break our fast with some dates and water (either at home or at the mosque). We then have our evening meal such as samosas, kebabs, pastries, rice, curry, etc.

During Ramadan, we try to read the whole Quran in the whole month. This takes a lot of effort on our part as we also have to go to school during the day.

Zishan H & Yusuf A (Year 7)