The religious observance of Ramadan started on the 1st of April and will end on the 1st of May, starting at the first crescent moon and ending at the next. Ramadan signifies a month of prayer, reflection and community. Ramadan also signifies a month of fasting during daylight hours for all adult Muslims with certain exemptions granted to those who are unwell, traveling, elderly or diabetic. It is on the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar and commemorates Muhammad’s first revelation and is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. This blog post is dedicated to the invaluable contribution our Muslim community makes to the United Kingdom.
Ramadan provides Muslims with the opportunity to develop self-discipline. It is also a way for them to show appreciation for what they have been given and be aware of those who are less fortunate. During Ramadan, Muslims continue their vital work in our National Health Service, our restaurants and cafes and in so many other vital sectors of our economy whilst fasting.
The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, recently tweeted:
“Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims observing the holy month here and around the world. I’d like to wish you and your family a very happy, peaceful and blessed Ramadan.”
And Scottish Conservative Leader Douglas Ross stated that he is:
“Wishing everyone in Scotland, the UK and around the world a very happy and blessed Ramadan.”
The month of Ramadan is expected to end around the first of May but is dependent on the next crescent moon sighting, which marks the beginning of Eid al-Fitr. During Eid al-Fitr, many Muslims attend prayers, listen to a khutba and give zakat al-fitr which is charity in the form of food.
Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim community here in the United Kingdom and indeed all around the world from all of us here at the Scottish Conservative Friends of BAME.