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1 Page1 Introduction This short guide has been created for information about what is Ramadhan, what fasting entails and some practicalities. If you have a specific issue not covered please contact us or your nearest Mosque. What is Ramadhan? Ramadhan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, in which Muslims fast. Fasting is regarded as a devotional practice, ordained by God, which requires a Muslim to abstain from eating, drinking and sensual pleasures from dawn to dusk (daylight hours) and in doing so one displays an utter commitment of love and devotion to God by temporarily giving up a need as vital as eating, drinking and procreating, only for Him. Why Ramadhan? The Month of Ramadan is an auspicious month in which, it is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed as a guidance unto mankind, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation". [Quran] When do Muslims Fast? Ramadhan. Which begins upon the sighting of the moon of the 9th month of the Muslim calendar. These fasts are compulsory. There are optional Fasts. This can be done any day of the year besides 5 days (the 1st of the 10th month and the 10th, 11th, 12th & 13th of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar). Some of these fast are deemed highly meritorious. Muslims follow a lunar calendar: a lunar calendar is simply a calendar based on the cycle of the moon. It comprises of 12 months which is subject to moon sighting & consists of 29 days or 30 days.

2 Page2 So why fast? Fasting allows one to build a sense of self-control and will-power, which can be beneficial throughout life in dealing with temptations. Through fasting, Muslims learn to control their natural urges such as hunger and thirst, and thus are able to better resist other illicit temptations such as backbiting, lies, cheating etc. It helps one empathise with the less fortunate and underprivileged who have no choice but to endure hunger and thirst day after day. It offers an opportunity for Muslims to detoxify their bodies as well as their souls, by developing a greater sense of humility, spirituality and communal amity. Very often Muslims would invite one another to break fast together. In Mosques the entire congregation break their fast together whilst sharing food with each other. A greater level of generosity, charity and forgiveness is distinctly observed. What is fasting? Fasting simply means to abstain from: Eating, drinking, smoking and/or ingesting anything through the throat or nasal passage. Indulgence in sexual relations, beginning at dawn (first light) and ending at sunset. (Times vary according to the seasons). Fasting is observed for the entire month of Ramadhan (min 29 max 30 days, subject to moon sighting). Every fast is preceded by a pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) in order to maintain energy levels. The fast is then opened or broken at sunset generally with dates and water followed by a variety of delicacies.

3 Page3 Who has to fast? Every physically and mentally healthy male or female upon attaining pubescence or 15 years of age. Who is exempt from fasting? A minor. Fasts are not obligatory upon a child prior to pubescence or 15 years of age. Children however, are allowed and commended to fast for short periods during the day in simulation of adults. Any person suffering from an ailment or illness that would be aggravated or prolonged due to fasting. A weak, feeble or aged person who does not have the strength to fast. A pregnant or nursing mother who is unable to fast. A woman during her menstrual or postpartum cycle. What s allowed? Washing, gargling, applying any topical ointment - as long as it s not ingested, injections, eye drops, administering an IV drip. What if? If a person requires any urgent medical treatment, they should break the fast immediately. If an employee, student or person in care has become so weak due to fasting that there is a fear of losing consciousness then it is permissible to take step towards breaking the fast. If it becomes necessary for an asthma patient or someone with diabetes need to use an inhaler or need insulin, then they should break their fast.

4 Page4 A terminally ill person or someone suffering from a chronic condition on long term medication who is unable to fast at all for the rest of his/her life can be advised not to fast and can compensate for the fast through a monetary contribution/charity. During Exams For Students who have got exams no doubt this will be a difficult & challenging period. Where possible we would recommend that schools/colleges: Provide information on what food releases energy (which will help inform students what to eat & help them keep energised during the day) i.e. A pre-dawn meal (suhur) is absolutely essential for a student as this will replace breakfast during the month of Ramadan. This pre-dawn meal should be wholesome and filling in order to sustain energy for many hours. It is important to include slowly digested foods. Complex carbohydrates are foods that will help release energy slowly during fasting and are found in grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, cereals, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour and basmati rice. Fibre-rich foods are also digested slowly; these include bran, whole-wheat, grains and seeds, potatoes with the skin left on, all types of bread and breakfast cereals, vegetables such as green beans and fruit such as apricots, prunes or figs. The meal which breaks the day s fast (iftar). This meal could include dates following the Prophetic traditions. A healthy balanced diet, enjoying some protein from meat/fish or lentils and some vegetables are advisable. One should eat as they would normally and remember to eat only a moderate amount, especially of fat and sugary products. Provide quiet spaces for fasting students to revise, and to stay away from those who maybe having lunch etc. If at all possible make changes to revision times, if that helps students. Cooler exam halls would help in hot/humid conditions. Ensure there is provision for those Muslim students who are not fasting for whatever the reason maybe).

5 Page5 Brief Teachers: Teachers/invigilators cannot ask students to have a tiny sip of water for those fasting. This is not allowed unless there is concern that they may be suffering from dehydration or that they may lose consciousness. The choice of fasting is entirely up to the individual no teacher or invigilator should tell them not to/or to ask them to break it, just because they feel the student will perform better. Staying up late for late night prayers is not compulsory, so if a student chooses to do so, that will deprive them of sleep which could affect their performance in an exam and we advise parents to think about this & ensure they plan their evening prayers and rest accordingly. Islam does not require one to harm themselves in fulfilling the fast. If a fast is broken, the days will need to be made up by fasting at a later date when their health is better. Additional Information Whilst employing or working with people of various religions and cultures is truly an enriching and interesting experience, at times it could be fairly confusing and frustrating which creates unwarranted misunderstandings and misgivings. We understand for students going through exams this will be a difficult & challenging period. We ask teachers/examiners to support learners with recommendations as detailed above. We would like to remind teachers that it is perfectly safe for people to fast as long as they follow the requirements and make the decisions based on their own health & wellbeing in accordance with their religious beliefs. The choice of fasting is entirely up to the individual. This short information booklet is in relation to Ramadhan: The Muslim Fasting Month and the regulations related to it. We do hope this booklet will be of use to you and we would welcome any feedback: info@rcom.org.uk The day of Eid heralds the end of Ramadhan. A festive and joyous holiday that is celebrated by Muslims. On the day of Eid, Muslims attend special congregational prayers in the morning, wearing their best clothes and attire. After the completion of prayers and a special sermon, Muslims greet one another, saying "Eid Mubarak" the

6 Page6 greeting said to wish one Happy Eid. It is also a day of visiting family, friends, neighbours, the sick & some will even visit their loved ones in the graveyard. The Day of Eid is determined by the sighting of the moon after the 29th day of Ramadhan. If the moon cannot be sighted then 30 days of Ramadhan will be completed and the day following it will be celebrated as Eid. In the U.K, where new moon visibility is poor, there are 2 formulas which are used more widely than others. Some opt for following the Saudi Arabian sighting whilst others follow the sighting of Morocco or South Africa. This at times leads to Eid being celebrated on two different days. This year it is anticipated that Ramadhan will commence on 6 th or 7 th June 2016 and therefore Eid will be celebrated on or around the 5 th July subject to start of Ramadhan (which is both subject to sighting of the moon). Keep an eye on Facebook or Twitter for announcements! For further information please contact: Dobir Miah Chief Officer Rochdale Council of Mosques E: dobir@rcom.org.uk Published on 16 th May 2016.