We are in the period of Ramadan, which many of our staff and

schools, honour and is an important part of the spiritual year.

Here, Jo has asked one of our lovely Teaching Assistants, about what this means to her and how she observes it within her life.

There are also links to resources and information about how to respect and educate about this important festival in schools.

Q: Tell us how important Ramadan is in your life? And why?

A: As a Muslim, Ramadhan is very important to me. It is like no other month in the year. A month of blessings, mercy and forgiveness. The holy book of the Quran was completed during this month and was sent down from the heavens.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a mandatory act of worship to obey ALLAH. We fast for 29/30 days consecutively.

We refrain from food and drink during daylight hours.

The aim is to purify our body and soul, foster empathy for the poor and strengthen spiritual resilience by curbing our desires and strengthening our relationship with ALLAH.

Q: How does life look different during the holy month of Ramadan?

A: All the Muslims around the world are fasting at the same time. We wake up just before dawn and eat a meal and we break our fast at sunset.

There’s a unique feeling to this month because there’s unison amongst the entire Muslim population around the world. During this time, we are all attempting to get spiritually closer to God.

Q: What do you find most rewarding/ enjoyable in Ramadan?

Do you find anything particularly difficult?

I find the whole month enjoyable. The generosity amongst the Muslim community is unprecedented during this blessed month with the sharing of charity, food and prayers amongst many ethnicities.

I find the lack of sleep and tiredness the hardest part but I remind myself the reward from ALLAH outweighs the struggle. It is also beneficial for our mind body and soul.

Q: Can you explain to us what Eid al -Fitr is?

Eid ul Fitr is one of the two prescribed celebrations for the Muslim nation. Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadhan and the beginning of the month of Shawal.

Q: What does your routine look like during Eid?

A: I wake up early in the morning and prepare food for our family and friends who will come around during the day. The whole family will wear new clothes and we will head to the mosque to offer Eid prayer.

After Eid prayer we will go home give gifts to family members. All our family and friends will come over and we will enjoy quality time and food together. Everyone will give money and presents to one another.

Books for Topics: Recommended Reads for Ramadan and Eid