With a week of fasting having now passed, here is everything you need to know about Ramadan.

Ramadan- the 9th month on the Islamic calendar- is a month where Muslims focus on their faith and aim to improve their relationship with Allah (God). Muslims do this by fasting or in other words, not eating or drinking from dawn till sunset in order to experience and feel empathy towards the less unfortunate. Muslims will eat a meal called suhoor and then begin their fast, then break their fast with a meal called iftar, which typically is a big feast. This is then followed by Maghrib prayer. Whilst fasting, Muslims read the Quran (Islamic holy book), educate themselves more about their religion or may also partake in communal prayers at their local mosques.

Not every Muslim fasts, only those in good health conditions are obliged to so those who are unable to can instead of fasting, pay fidyah, a religious donation made to those in need. Children are not obliged to fast until they are 11-12 years old however there are some challenges with fasting at such a young age in the UK. Firstly, with the UK not being a Muslim country, it means there is not a majority of Muslims so many people are not educated enough about Ramadan. Children may want to pray when in school in order to not miss the prayer times however some schools do not allow this. Furthermore, those in year 11 for example are only weeks away from their GCSES meaning they are currently revising as much as they can however this can become very difficult when you’re fasting as you become fatigued more easily.

As you can see, being a young Muslim who is fasting during Ramadan in the UK is not one of the easiest things however those who aren’t Muslim and won’t be fasting can help make it a little easier. Although you genuinely may be curious, don’t ask silly questions such as “not even water” as it can simply annoy those fasting. Those fasting may be trying to strengthen their faith, most likely by not doing the things which are haram (forbidden) such as swearing and gossiping so be a little more cautious with the way you act around those fasting.

On a happier note though, another thing you can do is be excited with your Muslim friends for Eid-Ul-Fitr, a big celebration marking the end of Ramadan. In the morning, its tradition to go to your local mosque for an early morning prayer and throughout the day, people will go meet family and friends to celebrate by having big feasts and parties. 

If you are fasting, Ramadan Kareem and may Allah make it easy for you all.