Ramadan Explained

1. Ramadan Explained Ramadan Mubarak NHS Blackburn with Darwen Valuing the Richness that Diversity Brings this is one in a series of presentations for Information

2. Aims of the presentation • To provide information, advice and guidance on arrangements during Ramadan (Ramzan). • Based on the organisations values and principles of valuing the richness that diversity brings. • We believe it is important that employees of the PCT understand the religious and cultural traditions of the people we serve and of those we work with in line with Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003 and the Equality Act 2006. this is one in a series of presentations for Information

3. What is Ramadan? • 9th month of the Hijri Calendar (Lunar calendar). • The Lunar calendar is approx 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. • Ramadan begins at the sighting of the new Moon. • Commencing 1st / 2nd September 2008* • Ramadan ends at the Waning Crescent. • Eid Ul Fitr falls at the end of Ramadan • 1st / 2nd October 2008* *these dates are approximate as commencement of Ramada and Eid are determined by the Lunar Calendar this is one in a series of presentations for Information

4. Significance of Ramadan • It is the 4th pillar of the 5 pillars of Islam. • It is the month in which the Qur’an (the holy book of Islam) was revealed. • It is a special month of fasting, repentance, increased prayer and increased charity which people of the Muslim faith undertake. this is one in a series of presentations for Information

5. Examples of Current Practice • Fasting (Roza) • During daylight hours is an essential element of Ramadan. Roza starts at dawn and ends at sunset. • Involves changing the balance of daily life i.e. doing less of the ordinary daily activities to practice self restraint and more of the spiritual, religious, moral and charitable activities. • The person must not eat, drink, chew, smoke, swear, sing or dance, bully or fight with others, engage in sexual activity and must refrain from things that may be offensive to others. this is one in a series of presentations for Information

6. Examples of Current Practice • Fasting continued: • Muslims are expected to start and finish the Roza on time. • Muslims who are fasting will need to break their fast at the prescribed time (sunset). • Deliberately doing anything which is prohibited will break the fast and this is seen as bad or even worse that not fasting at all. • All Muslims fast except: • Children, Adults who are unwell or travelling long distances, women who are menstruating, in post-child birth care, pregnant or breast feeding. this is one in a series of presentations for Information

7. Examples of Current Practice • Prayer Times and facilities: • Ramadan is a time when Muslims try to spend time in prayer and religious contemplation. • There is an all year round requirement for Muslims to pray five times daily at given times. • The most important prayer for Muslims is the ‘Jummah’ prayer on Friday afternoon, during Ramadan Muslims are expected to offer extra prayers every evening (Taraveeh prayers). this is one in a series of presentations for Information

8. Examples of Current Practice • As Ramadan is the celebration of the giving of the Qur’an to the world many Muslims will try to read the whole of the Qur’an during this month. • The evening before the 27th Roza is especially important as it is believed to be the very first day the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet. Many Muslims will stay up very late saying prayers and reading the Qur’an. this is one in a series of presentations for Information

9. Working with Muslim Colleagues • During Ramadan: • Try not to invite Muslim Colleagues to meetings which include lunch or extend after 5 pm. • Be understanding that this is the most special month in a Muslim's Calendar. • Be aware that it is common for Muslim’s to take annual leave during the last week of Ramadan, as the last 10 days are very important and also to take in Eid. • Eid Day is taken as a day to be spent with family and friends. • Greeting colleagues saying ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ (Blessed Ramadan) is a polite way to greet colleagues during Ramadan. this is one in a series of presentations for Information

10. Working with local Muslim communities • Consider fasting times when arranging meetings and home visits. • Ramadan is a holy month for most Muslim families. This means that families will be waking up during the night to eat and pray until the early hours of the morning and some families may go back to bed. So early morning visits from health professionals should be avoided unless they are necessary. (presently fasting opens at around 7.30pm) • Visiting patterns need to be flexible and negotiated with individual families to save inconvenience and time. • Clinic appointments may be better in the early afternoons. this is one in a series of presentations for Information

11. It is hoped that this information will help colleagues to gain more understanding of what Ramadan means to our Colleagues who are of the Muslim Faith. Jules Wall Diversity and Equality Manager Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Primary Care Trust this is one in a series of presentations for Information