The Significance of Ramadan and Eid

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar (and also one of the five core pillars of Islam), observed by millions of Muslims around the world who believe that during this month, the Quran (holy book of Islam) was revealed.

It occurs in the nine month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts approximately 29/30 days (varying year to year) as it is subject to sighting of the moon, which is unlike the usual Georgian calendar. Each year the start of Ramadan will move back by around 10 days, which leads us to finally experiencing Ramadan in the winter season (something I have not seen since I was 13 and to put into perspective that is more than 20 years ago).

Fasting during Ramadan

It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The essence of Ramadan is to draw closer to Allah (God) and cultivate spiritual growth and discipline. It is more than just not eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. It is about abstaining from gossip, backbiting, lying, swearing, keeping a positive mindset, doing good, resisting temptations and much more. You develop self-discipline, self-control, empathy for those less fortunate, and a sense of closeness to Allah.

There is also a degree of organisation required, especially for those who are working. To be able to balance the pressures of working life along with keeping a positive mindset, cooking food in the morning and night, and often long nights in prayers (especially in the last ten days of Ramadan which are known to be the holiest). For me personally, the first week is always a struggle no matter how many times throughout my life I have done it. You are deprived of sleep, food, water, caffeine (you can all relate to this withdrawal). That being said, the human body is such a marvellous thing, that your body adjusts to what is the new norm and you begin to feel more energised as the weeks progress. I am an expert by week 3 but question my energy levels in the late parts of the afternoon.

My fondest memories of Ramadan growing up was being woken up by my dad in the early morning and him cooking paranthas (crispy flat breads) and telling us stories of the prophets or the times when me and siblings lived with one another and would be up till the crack of dawn eating everything in sight and being full of energy (I am one of 7 so you can appreciate how loud my house was in the early mornings, and I am sure the neighbours were not happy!).

Now that I am older and live apart from them, I have been enjoying creating new memories with friends and family. In particular, getting my chef hat on most evenings and feeding my loved ones – each year a new set of recipes are added to the culinary skills.

Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Decree and the last 10 days

One of the most significant nights during Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, which is believed to be when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered the holiest night of the year, and the exact date is unknown, but it is traditionally observed on one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan.

Muslims spend this night in prayer, reflection, and recitation of the Quran, seeking Allah's mercy and blessings. It is believed that the rewards for worship on Laylat al-Qadr are greater than those of a thousand months.

Acts of charity are also increased during this month (in particular during the last 10 days), with many Muslims paying Zakaat (another one of the core five pillars) to the poor. This is where Muslims are obligated to calculate their total savings in cash/gold for the annual lunar year, with 2.5% of this amount is to be donated to charity/the needy. For example, your total saved wealth savings is £50,000, £1,250 of this is required to be given to the needy and less fortunate.

Eid al-Fitr: The Festival of Breaking the Fast

Now that Ramadan has come to a close for another year, another celebration is on the horizon known as Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It is a day of celebration, thanksgiving, and joy, signifying the successful completion of a month of fasting and worship. The day is marked by feasts, the exchange of gifts, and acts of charity, known as "Zakat al-Fitr." This charity is given to the needy before the Eid prayer, ensuring that everyone can participate in the celebrations.

The day begins with a special prayer, "Salat al-Eid," performed in congregation, usually in an open field or a large hall and visit the graveyard to see loved ones who have passed. Muslims dress in their finest clothes, often new or specially prepared for the occasion, and offer greetings of "Eid Mubarak," meaning "Blessed Eid."

The Spirit of Ramadan and Eid

The essence of Ramadan and Eid is rooted in faith, devotion, and community. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to purify their hearts, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and cultivate empathy and compassion for others. Eid al-Fitr is the culmination of these efforts, a time to celebrate and give thanks for the blessings received.

Together, Ramadan and Eid foster a sense of unity and solidarity among Muslims worldwide. They remind us of the importance of spirituality, gratitude, and the shared human experience, encouraging us to carry these values beyond the holy month into our daily lives.

How to support your Muslim colleagues 

There are a number of ways you can support your fellow Muslim colleagues, whether that is adjusting their workload/hours or being mindful to their well-being. 

Additionally, an initiative that we have seen traction on in the last few years is the ‘fast for a day’ challenge. This involves non-Muslim colleagues participating in fasting for a day and joining in the iftar meal to break the fast. Here at Shoosmiths we have seen a number of different office part-take in this, such as the Manchester and Leeds office this year.

For me personally it was my colleagues in the Nottingham office who participated in this, coming together to support me in this month. It was a fantastic evening of sharing experiences, appreciation and respect. Sam Naunton, Eliza Patrascu and Michael Briggs each share their views of the challenge:

Eliza Patrascu (paralegal): I am deeply grateful to my colleague Sadia for courageously sharing her religion and practices with us. It was a true privilege to support Sadia during Ramadan. Participating in the "Fast for a Day" was incredibly rewarding; it taught me patience and perseverance and gave me a greater appreciation for the little but crucial things in life, like sustenance. That first sip of water to break the fast was truly delicious, a realisation often overlooked due to our very busy daily routines

Sam Naunton (corporate associate): Participating in “Fast for a Day” offered the opportunity for the office to come together and support colleagues during Ramadan. It was also a chance to share in a new experience and to work on a variety of skills, both individually and as part of a wider team. It was great to see the group come together at the end of the day to prepare and enjoy a great meal to break the fast and to reflect on the challenges of the day.

Michael Briggs (partner): What an achievement for all involved - pushing colleagues beyond their comfort zone but under such safe and supportive guidance from Sadia. A real education, and several wonderful moments of solidarity that I have witnessed so far throughout Ramadan. To all share our stories, family history and experiences in such a safe environment makes me very happy and means so much to everyone here in Nottingham.