Ramadan - 12/13 April to 12/13 May 2021

Purpose and significance

• To attain nearness and closeness to God through devotion and commitment to fasting and prayers
• To experience and appreciate those who are less fortunate than themselves
• A time of charity and generosity - this is especially encouraged during this month
• It is also a time for community and family spirit and providing support. Usually, families within a household will pray and eat together and support each other, however with restrictions still in place as a result of the pandemic Ramadan in 2021 will be a very different experience for many families and communities.

Key points

• The dates of Ramadan in 2021 are 12/ 13 April to 12 May
• Muslims abstain from any food and drink between dawn and sunset on each day of this month. The times of the fast for each day are approximately 4am to 8pm . This means that Muslims fast over this period for approximately 16 hours a day
• During this time Muslims try to follow a normal study or work routine as far as possible, but have responsibilities for devotion to extra prayers and readings to their daily religious commitments
• The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid ul Fitr
• Students and staff are expected to take personal responsibility for managing their commitment to Ramadan
• Managers, colleagues and staff supporting students are advised to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and understanding to balance supporting students and members of staff to manage their Ramadan commitments during our current working from home circumstances.

#Ramadanathome: practical advice for students and staff 

Individual students and members of staff will manage their own observance of Ramadan - this may vary due to health and other personal circumstances, but please do consider the following practical points:

• Flexible working: members of staff and students may request flexibility around their study, research or working arrangements, for example, to work shorter days or working weeks during Ramadan.
• Breaks: members of staff and students observing Ramadan are encouraged to take regular breaks for rest and reflection (perhaps around prayer times).
• Prayers: students and members of staff may wish to offer prayers during the day (there may be up to two prayers that may impact upon the timings of a working or studying day). See prayer rooms on campus.
• Meal package for students: We have created a meal package for students during Ramadan.
• Annual leave: There will also be leave requests, so members of staff can observe Ramadan or celebrate Eid at home.
• Meetings and events: meeting organisers may wish to consider timing over this period to enable as many students or members of staff as possible to attend.
• Communication: members of staff and students may give advance notice that they will be fasting to a manager, academic supervisor or colleagues. They might also want to share Ramadan with colleagues by having a conversation or sharing what they are doing for it, what food they are preparing, and what the month means for them.

Sources of information

• Muslim Council of Britian - Ramadan at home
• World Health Organisation - Safe Ramadan practices in the context of Covid-19
• University of York Islamic Society - Understanding Ramadan
• York Mosque, Bull Lane, York, YO10 3EN