This year I will be celebrating the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid in Dubai. This is a first for me away from home. And it will be a different cultural, educational, and fun experience for the kids too. The Easter holidays clash with Ramadan and Eid. So I thought why not combine all 3 events?

Ramadan has always held great significance for me and for 2 billion Muslims around the world. The month is full of service to others, prayers, charity, family, and togetherness.  Being away from my family will be a big change as I have never celebrated Eid without them. I am fortunate that I can pray and observe my fast and celebrate Ramadan usually in the UK where we have freedom of expression and tolerance for all religions and beliefs.

Whilst studying at university a few of my non-Muslim friends were so curious about Ramadan that they decided to fast with me. I think this was very considerate of them and a beautiful way to express the mutual respect we have for one another. Breaking our fast together at sunset and sharing a meal with them will forever stay with me.  It is about compassion and respect for others’ beliefs and celebrations, and similarly I always enjoy sharing in their celebration of Christmas and Easter.

I think Dubai will be a fantastic experience as I celebrate the end of Ramadan in a Muslim country. I will hear the call to prayer 5 times a day and can go to the local mosque and pray and break my fast alongside fellow observers of Ramadan.

There are always a few things people are intrested in learning about Ramadan so I thought I might share some the questions here.

Are you allowed water? No

Don’t you get tired? Yes

How long does is the fast? 15/16 hrs per day (Plus 1/2hrs prayers) which results to 2 or 3 hours sleep per night for 30 days.

How often do you pray? 5 times a day, your body must perform a cleanliness form of ablution known as Wudu before the prayer.

What are the key aspects of the Muslim faith?

The five pillars of the Muslim faith are:

1. Shahada: The declaration of faith in one God (Allah) and His messenger  Muhammad (peace be upon him).
2. Salah: The ritual prayer required of every Muslim five times a day throughout their lifetime.
3. Zakat: The act of giving a portion of a Muslim’s wealth to those in need throughout their lifetime.
4. Sawm: The act of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
5. Hajj: The sacred pilgrimage to Mecca required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime if it is within their means.

These are fundamental elements by which all Muslims seek to live their lives. There is great focus on charity and community. This is why we all join to celebrate Ramadan and Eid. 

The first week or so is exhausting, and you are extremely hungry but spiritually you are much more at ease.

By week 3 your appetite has considerably reduced, and your body has adjusted to the programme as you focus on prayers, charity and of course Eid.

However, the rules related to Ramadan, are sufficiently considerate to accommodate the sick very elderly, pregnant women or those who are menstruating. Children also do not need to commit to the Ramadan Fast until they are 13 or 14 years old.

Festivals in Islam are based on the lunar calendar, so the dates of Ramadan and Eid change each year. This year it falls between 10th March-09th April. Eid is the big celebration which Muslims enjoy at the end of the 30 days fast. Ramadan is the month whereby the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE.

Muslims are obliged to give 2.5 percent of their monthly salary to charity. In the past I have chosen charities such as Water Aid, Jeans for Jeans, build a well, cancer patient collection to name a few.  During Ramadan in 2016 British Muslims have given more than£ 100 million to charities. (Statistic Chairty Commission)

In 2023 the West Yorkshire Area Association Team organised their first Eid celebration Event. The event was open to all members and volunteers of CSSC from the West Yorkshire area. It was held at a restaurant in Bradford where we were all treated to a nice buffet. Matt and the chair of West Yorkshire, Richard Kellett, made short speeches encouraging CSSC members from the BAME community to get involved in our activities. This was a great opportunity to show what CSSC can do for its members.

The evening was a great success and they have decided they will be doing another event this year.

Please see attached and if you are interested in attending contact the number provided.

My next Blog will feature our event which I will be attending as a volunteer and held on the 17 April 2024 we will be holding the ‘CSAA 160th Anniversary Challenge’ the 5K 10K run at Battersea Park, London.

About 

Come and join us in our second EID celebrations at Mylahore Restaurant in Bradford

You, and one family member or friend (must be 18+), can enjoy a fabulous 4 course meal at this popular and famous Bradford restaurant recently frequented by HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. You will be able to enjoy a selection of starters, main courses with accompaniments, desserts and tea - suitable vegetarian options will be available. There is free parking, plus free soft drinks are included.

Please note that the restaurant is not fully accessible, and may not be suitable for everyone. Our seating area will be on the 1st floor level up some steep steps.

Contact 

Hanif: 07791 708969 / Omar: 07886 554837

Email: treasurer.westyorkshire@csscvolunteer.co.uk