Celebrating Ramadhan: Guidance and support

 



2 April marks the month of Ramadhan which is a very important religious event for Muslims around the world. We know that it may be hard for lots of you who are unable to visit family, friends and go to your local mosque during this time but we want to reassure you that we are here to support you.

Remember, your health and wellbeing is our main priority. If you have any worries or concerns, please reach out. You can find all the support information you need at the bottom of this page.


What is Ramadhan?

Ramadhan is the name of a month in the Islamic Calendar, similar to June or July, and it is a time during the year when Muslims fast. The month of Ramadhan lasts for 29-30 days and during those days Muslims will fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating and drinking (including water).

Fasting in the month of Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that fasting teaches empathy and sympathy and takes away selfishness and allows them to devote themselves to their faith and become closer to God. Ramadhan is also a time for prayer and spirituality, so during this time Muslims often take part in extra prayers.


The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadhan. On Eid day, Muslims usually spend much of the day with family and friends, where they share a prepared feast and exchange gifts.


Taking care of yourself during Ramadhan

Although fasting is an important part of Ramadhan, your health and wellbeing is of the upmost importance, so make sure you are taking care of yourself. Here are some ways you can take care throughout the fasting period:


  1. Organising taraweeh at home as a family and pray in congregation
  2. Drink plenty of fluid between breaking the fast and evening meal and the pre-dawn meal to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration can lead to tiredness, headaches, lack of focus/concentration.
  3. Keep connected – Make sure you keep connected to friends and family. Share Ramadhan with classmates and friends by having a conversation about Ramadhan, or sharing what you’re doing for it, what food you're preparing, and what the month means for you This is very important as it will help you to feel less isolated.
  4. Plan your iftar menus in advance so that you can limit multiple shopping trips given social distancing measures.
  5. Eat high energy, slow burn foods for pre-dawn meal (starting your fast). This will help you to remain energised throughout the day
  6. Take regular breaks to reflect and take time for yourself. Life can be full, and we try to fill it with more worship during Ramadhan. It might be useful to create a study timetable with breaks allocated throughout the day.
  7. SUPPORT - Your academic adviser and course tutors are there to support you. Let them know that you will be fasting so that they can help you if you need it. There is lots of support available to you if you need it so please reach out if you have any worries. See the bottom of this page for contacts and information.


Useful websites on how to stay healthy during Ramadhan:



How you can support those who are taking part?


1. Ramadhan can have a huge effect on people in many different ways. Try to keep in regular contact with your friends and fellow students who will be fasting during this time and let them know you are there to support them. Keeping connected is very important as lots of us are not on campus it can be easy to feel isolated.

2. Those who are fasting may become tired or irritable, try not to take it personally as it can be a very difficult time for those taking part. Just reassure them that you are there for them.

3. Be proud of them! Those who take part are showing themselves to be patient, kind, grateful, resilient and determined. It is a very challenging but incredible thing to do, so be proud of the people you know that are taking part.


Support and Contact information.



Although we are not on campus, there is lots of support available to those of you who are taking part in Ramadhan this year, so make sure you seek help if you are worried or concerned about anything during this time.


For guidance and information contact any of the following:




If you have any other questions, please contact:
EDI@Herts.ac.uk 

Other support available:

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