Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. It's considered one of the most spiritual times of the year and signifies the time during which the Qur’an was revealed.
Different people will be celebrating Ramadan in various ways. Many Muslims find Ramadan is a time where their usual spiritual practice increases, whilst other Muslims find Ramadan is a time to connect more with their faith than they do at other times of the year. This is part of each individual’s own journey.
This year, Ramadan is predicted to take place on Monday 11 March and last until approximately Tuesday 9 April. Fasting Muslims will refrain from food and water from sunrise to sunset throughout this time.
Supporting Muslims goes beyond thinking about what to say to someone fasting for Ramadan, it’s about showing an understanding and considering how you can support them during this time.
Our Islamic Faith Adviser Sister Tama has put together this information to help our Muslim students, such as what's going on in the local community and information about a hadith project running throughout Ramadan.
You can also take a look at this video which answers lots of useful questions such as:
- What is Ramadan?
- Which mosque can I go to to break my fast?
- Are there facilities on campus to break my fast?
- Which mosques provide taraweeh and iftah facilities?
While festivities are a happy time for most, it can be also be difficult for those who have lost loved ones or are unable to be with their families during the celebrations. This is a timely reminder that the BU Faith & Reflection Centre is here to support students and staff of all faiths - and none - who may find the opportunity for listening, connection and encounter with an adviser helpful in this time.
The Faith & Reflection Centre, which can be found in Talbot House on Talbot Campus, also has an Islamic prayer room, which colleagues can use throughout the week.
Snacks in the library at sunset: Snacks such as dates will be provided in the entranceways to both our libraries at sunset for anyone observing Ramadan: The Sir Michael Cobham Library on Talbot Campus and the Weston Library in Bournemouth Gateway Building on Lansdowne Campus. Please help yourselves!
Do wish any students that you know are celebrating and observing Ramadan “Ramadan Mubarak!” and if you have any questions, please contact Sister Tama by emailing [email protected].