Ramadan
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide and is considered a blessed month, occurring on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The Five Pillars of Islam outline the fundamental rules that all Muslims are required to follow, with Ramadan representing one of these pillars, known as 'Sawm' or "Fasting during the month of Ramadan."
At the start of the fasting month, Muslims greet each other with 'Ramadan Kareem' or 'Ramadan Mubarak.' The duration of the fasting period spans 29-30 days each year but doesn't adhere to a fixed date like Christmas on December 25th. To determine the correct timing for Ramadan, Muslims consult their local Mosque for confirmation of the start and end dates, aligning with dawn and sunset.
Who participates in fasting and why?
Muslims, upon reaching puberty (around the age of 12) and in good health, can begin fasting. Exemptions include those who are ill (both mentally and physically, and those on medication), pre-pubescent children (although some may choose to fast), pregnant and breastfeeding women, menstruating women, the elderly, and individuals traveling. If you are uncertain about a young person's circumstances, please seek advice from the local Mosque and/or contact your SSW, support worker or the children’s social worker.
During fasting, individuals are expected to abstain from all foods, liquids, smoking, and sexual activity from dawn until sunset.
Ramadan serves as a period for increased reflection and worship. Many Muslims attend their local Mosques more frequently, engage in regular prayers, read the Quran, and contribute to charity or volunteer for noble causes. This month is seen as an opportunity to develop self-control, acknowledge God's blessings, and foster compassion, particularly for the less fortunate.
It is also a good idea to check with the school or college your young person attends to see how they are able to support them when fasting and with their prayers when studying.
Fasting Timetable
A typical fasting routine involves waking before sunrise for a pre-fast meal called suhur or sehri. This meal often resembles breakfast but, in some cultures, it may include more dinner like foods. The day proceeds with the Fajar prayer before sunrise, followed by a return to sleep for energy preservation.
The fasting day concludes with the Maghrib prayer at sunset and the iftar meal, symbolically starting with fresh dates & water/milk, followed by dinner. Snacking between meals is allowed, and hydration is encouraged.
Your local mosque will be able to provide you with a timetable of sunset and sunrise times for the fasting period. Generally, men are expected to attend mosque to observe prayers. It is optional for women and not all mosques cater for female worshippers.
Tarawih Prayer
Tarawih Prayer is a special prayer performed exclusively during Ramadan after the Night Prayer (`Isha'). While not obligatory, Muslims are encouraged to follow this practice.
However, for safeguarding reasons, young people in care under the age of 16 are not expected to attend these prayers in the early hours of the morning. This is supported by the local Iman who says that it is perfectly acceptable to pray at home. It is a good idea to talk with the young person together with their social worker and your SSW to help manage expectations prior to Ramadan starting. A compromise can normally be reached in which young people can meet up with friends and still be at home at a reasonable hour.
Supporting a child/young person in foster care during Ramadan
Check if the young person has a prayer mat and Quran in their language, as well as access to prayer times.
Provide a Hijab/head scarf for females and a Mosque Hat for males, leaving the choice of wearing them to the individual.
Discuss food preferences, offer support for cooking, and consider the possibility of communal meals. It is a good idea to discuss this with the young person before Ramadan starts as it may be difficult to organise if a young person is placed with non-Muslim carers who do not adhere to Ramadan.
Be mindful of the young person's schedule, and sleep patterns, and provide emotional support. Try to avoid offering drinks including water and tea and food during the day. Be aware that some young people will wake up at night to eat and may sleep longer hours during the day.
Make sure young people have someone to talk to about how they feel. Ramadan is about family, friends and community and may bring up feelings of loss for young people who are not living with their families.
Explore Islamic channels for faith support and communicate with the local Imam for guidance on mosque attendance.
Zakat ul Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is a compulsory donation made by all Muslims – regardless of age – provided they or the head of their household has food in excess of what they need. Only those with less than one Sa’ (equivalent to around 3kg) of staple food in excess of their means are exempt from paying Zakat al-Fitr. Historically, Zakat al-Fitr was donated in the form of one Sa’ of staple foods per person, but it is now more common for each person to make a monetary donation equivalent to one Sa’ of staple foods. The donation is £5 per person and must be paid during Ramadan before the commencement of Eid al-Fitr prayers.
As they are head of their household, foster carers will need to give each young person in their care this money, so they can make the donation. Supported Lodgings carers to discuss with their support worker about who pays for this.
Zakat Calculator
https://nzf.org.uk/zakat-calculator/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwbitBhDIARIsABfFYIIgBiFCOasFKPZjuCvhD-1-TaejuNu23q-ICZY1jhvJGeiq8ovRTJQaAnGsEALw_wcB
Arabic vocabulary list
Ramadan Mubarak = Happy Ramadan
Ramadan Karim = Blessed Ramadan
Suhoor / Sehri = Pre-Dawn meal
Fajr prayer = Prayers before sunrise
Dhur prayer = noon/zenith prayer
Asr prayer = afternoon prayer
Iftar = meal eaten after sunset
Magrib prayers= sunset prayer
Isha prayers = night prayer
Tarawih prayers= to rest and relax”, as it is seen as a special form of Islamic meditation.
Eid Mubarak= Happy Eid
Food suggestions during Ramadan
It is a good idea to have some prepared food that young people can help themselves to or heat up in the microwave when they are hungry in the early hours of the morning (unless you are happy to cook for them or allow them to cook). This may consist of a cultural dish such as bread, rice chicken curry, kebabs and samosas etc. The meal needs to be high in protein, carbs, fats and dairy to ensure the young person is still receiving the recommended daily nutrients to take them through the fasting period.
The NHS website has some useful information on healthy fasting during Ramadan:
https://mcb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Ramadan-a-guide-to-healthy-fasting-NHS.pdf.
Eid Festivals
Eid: Eid ul-Fitr (sometimes called 'small Eid')
Upon completing the month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid. This religious festival involves wearing traditional clothing, attending Eid prayer at the local Mosque, and exchanging greetings of 'Eid Mubarak.' Families gather for traditional sweets, breakfast, and share food. This occasion is marked by having sweet treats such as baklava, kheer (rice pudding) and halwa (a semolina pudding). However, western sweets are also be enjoyed such as biscuits, cakes and chocolate treats. Eid can be marked with the giving of gifts, and fostering allowances cover these costs. This is normally an item of clothing, but many young people prefer money. Decorating the home in traditional Eid style and supporting the young person in attending local Eid celebrations can enhance the festive experience.
Eid ul-Adha: A Celebration of Faith and Generosity (sometime called ‘big Eid’)
Eid ul-Adha, often referred to as the "Festival of Sacrifice or Big Eid," is a special occasion celebrated by Muslims worldwide. For those who may be new to the festivities, especially non-Muslim foster carers caring for Muslim children or young people, understanding the significance of this celebration can foster a deeper connection with the cultural and religious aspects of the children in your care.
Date of Celebration:
Eid ul-Adha typically occurs on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The date may vary each year based on the moon sighting and lasts for three days.
Significance:
The heart of Eid ul Adha lies in the story of Prophet Ibrahims devotion to God. In a dream, Ibrahim was asked to sacrifice his son Isma'il as a test of his faith. However, God, recognising Ibrahim's unwavering commitment, provided a ram for sacrifice instead. This event symbolises submission to God's will. It's a reminder of the values of obedience, faith, and reliance on God's guidance. The festival encourages acts of kindness and compassion.
Rituals and Traditions:
1. Qurbani (Sacrifice): Many families perform Qurbani by sacrificing an animal, such as a goat or sheep. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and those less fortunate, fostering a sense of community and generosity. Many Musim families in the UK select a country through a Muslim charity and pay for Qurbani, However, some families will give their order to a butchers, once the Eid prayers are done, then they collect the meat and distribute packages to the neighbours, family, friends and also to restaurants who would then cook meals for the homeless, which then gets distributed around their area For example, in London there is a charity called “Charity begins at home” that normally collect the donated meat and cooks the food to feed the homeless in the Charing Cross area.
2. Prayers: Special Eid prayers, known as Salat al-Eid, are performed in congregation. These prayers are an opportunity for Muslims to express gratitude and come together as a community, often performed in Mosques, parks or open space. The local mosques will advertise where these are taking place.
3. Family and Community: Eid ul-Adha is a time for families to gather, share meals, and celebrate together. It's an occasion to strengthen bonds within the family and the broader community.
Conclusion: Eid ul-Adha is a celebration that goes beyond religious significance; it is about fostering unity, generosity, and a sense of community. For non-Muslim foster carers, recognising and respecting these traditions can provide a supportive environment for Muslim children and young people in your care. As you join in the festivities, embracing the spirit of Eid ul-Adha can create a meaningful connection and understanding of the cultural and religious heritage of the children you nurture.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 | 
