Ramadan Mubarak

We would like to wish all staff and students at DMU a Happy Ramadan. Muslim staff and students will be observing Ramadan (a period of prayer and fasting) from Sunday 10 March to Wednesday 10 April 2024 (subject to confirmation, depending on the sighting of the moon).

Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, the most sacred month to Muslims, and when the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan lasts for a month and is a time for further spiritual reflection and Muslims devote themselves to their faith through prayers and worship. Muslims will fast and abstain from food and drink (physical component) from dawn to sunset, and offer more prayers for God and to learn self-discipline, patience, humility, and enhance compassion towards others (spiritual aspect). Muslims will also donate to charity (Zakat), and carry out charitable acts, pursue to improve one’s character, and spend time with family and friends.

Fasting (Sawm) is the third of the five fundamentals of Islam, and is observed upon reaching maturity whilst being healthy, though children may desire to fast. The fast is traditionally opened in the evening by eating dates, drinking water and a meal with family and friends followed by evening prayer.

Ramadan culminates in a celebration of Eid al-Fitr (ʿĪd al-Fiṭr), also called the ‘Festival of Opening the Fast’, when the traditional month-long fast is ended with a feast. This is set to take place on Wednesday 10 April 2024 (subject to confirmation, depending on the sighting of the moon).

Supporting colleagues

Fasting is undertaken along with daily commitments, colleagues who are fasting will appreciate our support and flexibility during this time.

ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides a useful guide on how best to support colleagues. Some key considerations include:

• Colleagues observing Ramadan will continue to work as usual, but may request flexible working arrangements. Leave requests may also be made to celebrate Eid.
• Ask colleagues if they need to change any aspects of work to make things easier for them, such as short rest breaks, slight changes to working patterns, shorter lunch breaks etc.
• Time out from the working day may be needed for prayers.
• Managers may also wish to consider meeting times over this period. The effects of fasting may be felt in the afternoon so it can help to use the morning for meetings and challenging work.

Imam Mohammed Laher, the DMU Imam and Muslim Chaplain said: “Ramadan Mubarak and Happy Ramadan to all staff and students at DMU. We are so pleased to be celebrating Ramadan on campus this year, holding our daily Iftar (evening meals) in the DMU Prayer Room within the Portland Building for students and staff throughout the month of Ramadan, which has been generously donated.”

Please find the Ramadan prayer itinerary taking place at the DMU Prayer Rooms, in the Portland Building on campus.

For any further support or queries, please contact Imam Mohamed Laher via email: muslimchaplain@dmu.ac.uk.

Ramadan and Eid information will be provided below:

Instagram: @dmuprayerroom

Twitter: @DMU_Imam

Ramadan Mubarak (Happy Ramadan) to everyone celebrating from all of us at DMU.