1. In the name of God (Allah), the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent

2.  Ramadan is the 9 th month of the Islamic calendar.  Islamic Months are based on the lunar calendar. The Lunar calendar is 11-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar; therefore, Ramadan is 10-11 days earlier every year.  Ramadan commences and terminates upon the physical sighting of the new crescent, which in many instances differs from place to place. What is Ramadan?

3.  It is compulsory for Muslims on attaining the age of puberty to fast during Ramadan.  Muslims have to abstain from food, water, conjugal relations, smoking or anything else taken orally from before dawn to sunset.  Exceptions are made for the sick, and anyone with special needs. Fasting

4. Suhur- Eating before dawn Iftaar - Breaking fast Day Night Eating, drinking and sexual activity FORBIDDEN Tarawih - Special Prayers Eating, drinking and sexual activity PERMISSIBLE

5.  Fasting is an occasion to re-orientate oneself with the Creator and to further enhance a level of Allah(God)-consciousness.  Ramadan is an opportunity to develop qualities of endurance and self-restraint, to control anger and a fiery or malicious tongue.  Fasting enables one to empathise with the poor and needy. Why Fasting?

6.  Fasting is not a concept new to Islam, however, as indicated in the Noble Qur’an, fasting was prescribed for others nations prior to Islam.  Modern Science has discovered that fasting has tremendous health benefits as well. Among others,  It gives vital organs a complete rest.  It clears and strengthens the mind.  It increases the power of digestion and assimilation.  It permits the conservation and re-routing of energy. Why Fasting?

7.  Ramadan is the month of the Noble Qur’an wherein Muslims are encouraged to increase in its recitation. The 27 th Ramadan (Night of Power) marks the commencement of the revelation of the Noble Qur’an.  It is a month of heightened devotion. An additional prayer called Tarawih, is performed after the last obligatory prayer at night. In the last ten days, some prefer to retreat to the Masjid to observe I’tikaaf (a period of intense reflection and worship). Significance of Ramadan

8.  Muslims continue their normal activities during Ramadan, but the fast is physically demanding; thus sensitivity would go a long way.  Try to avoid scheduling meetings for Muslim colleagues which include lunch or which extends close to the period of breaking fast.  Greeting colleagues with the words: “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) is an appropriate way to cross into a new culture.  Eid Day is a day normally spent with family and loved ones. Working with Muslims in Ramadan

9. The Day of Eid-ul-Fitr  Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting during the month of Ramadan. It is celebrated as a day of victory - victory of faith over passion.  It is a time of happiness, prayer and charity. It offers believers an opportunity to apply the lessons learnt during the month-long period of fasting.

10. How is Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated?  The congregational Eid prayer: This prayer takes place in the morning after sunrise. It is recommended that it be held in an open piece of ground specifically set aside for this purpose to further enhance a sense of unity and brotherhood amongst the Muslim community.  Sadaqatul Fitr (charity): This is a mandatory charity distributed to the needy prior to the congregational prayer of Eid-ul-Fitr, so that they too could share in the festivities and joys of the day.  Special food is prepared while families gather to enjoy meals together. Children are given gifts and it is an occasion of happiness. These however are customary actions rather than religious.

11.  The Greeting for the day of Eid-ul-Fitr exchanged by Muslims is Z Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid) Pronounced eed mu baa rak

12. Al Medinah Mosque Brighton Imaam Muhammad Ismail 24 bedford place, Brighton, BN1 2PT Tel: 01273 737 721 Email: almedinahmosque@gmail.com