Ramadan Mubarak

We would like to wish all of our students and staff across GCS a Happy Ramadan. Muslim students and staff will be observing Ramadan from this weekend.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th, and most sacred, month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is a period where Muslims will fast (Sawm) and abstain from food or drink from dawn until sunset. Alongside this they will offer prayers (Salāh), this is designed to help them to learn self-discipline, patience, and humility and to enhance community cohesion. Muslims will also donate to charity (Zakāh) and carry out other charitable acts, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Who observes Ramadan?

Fasting is observed by all healthy Muslims upon reaching the age of maturity, although some children may choose to fast as well. There are some exemptions, these are usually agreed with a qualified Imam and/or a registered medical professional.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan lasts for a month, this year it will be from Friday 28th February until Sunday 30th March. These dates are outlined in the Islamic lunar calendar. Each fast is from dawn to sunset, the pre-dawn meal is called Suhur and the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is called Iftar. Fast is traditionally broken (or opened) by eating date, drinking water and having a meal with family and friends followed by evening prayers.

Ramadan will culminate on 30th March 2025 (subject to confirmation, depending on the sighting of the moon) and will end in a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, which is marked by a feast.

For a YT video discussing Ramadan, please see the following link: https://youtu.be/dNR36eYiJeA

For a list of common myths about Ramadan, please see the following link: https://studentportal.gcs.ac.uk/2021/04/22/myths-about-ramadan-debunked/