As Ramadan begins this year, we at Mildmay Mission Hospital would like to extend our warmest wishes to our Muslim patients, staff, and visitors.
At Mildmay Mission Hospital, we respect and welcome persons from different faith groups, countries, and cultures. Therefore, we support our Muslim patients, colleagues, visitors and friends as they begin Ramadan, the holy month of spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer and community. It's a time for Muslims to deepen their connection with Allah (God) and practise empathy for those less fortunate.
Here at Mildmay, we recognise the importance of faith and spirituality in a patient's healing journey. Our chaplaincy team is available to offer pastoral support and spiritual guidance to all patients, regardless of their faith background. During Ramadan, we are here to offer support to our Muslim patients.
We understand that being in hospital can be a difficult experience, especially during Ramadan. Our aim is to provide a supportive and understanding environment for all our patients during this holy month.
Ramadan Mubarak!
We wish you a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.
Mildmay Mission Hospital Chaplaincy Team
What is Ramadan?
Chapter 2, Verse 185 of the Quran explains the purpose of the ritual: “The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong).
“And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days.
“Allah desires for your ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.”
The word of Allah is said to have been revealed to the prophet on “Laylat al-Qadr” (the Night of Power).
The tablets of Ibrahim, the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Quran were sent down on the 1st, 6th, 12th, 13th and 24th days of Ramadan, according to the faith.
When is Ramadan?
The festival begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which usually appears one night after a new moon. In 2024, Ramadan will begin on Sunday, 10 March 2024 and is expected to conclude on Tuesday, 9 April 2024, meaning Eid al-Fitr is likely to fall on Wednesday, 10 April 2024.
Why do Muslims fast?
Ramadan is a holy month dedicated to prayer and reading the Quran. Generosity and giving to worthy causes and neighbours are encouraged.
It is a period for reflection, self-restraint, and warmth intended to bring Muslims closer to Allah, hence the abstention from earthly distractions like food and water, cigarettes, and sexual activity during daylight hours. A modest meal is taken before dawn known as “suhoor” and after dusk known as “iftar” but nothing whatsoever is consumed in between, not even water.
Fasting during Ramadan is a requirement for all Muslims from a young age, in some cases beginning as early as 10.
Those who are too ill to fast can be exempted if participating would mean endangering their health, as can the elderly, those suffering from a mental illness, those who are travelling, and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is the “festival of the breaking of the fast” and marks the end of Ramadan every year.
Muslims wish each other a happy Eid during the celebrations by saying “Eid Mubarak” and gathering with family and friends to feast and pray together.
The festival, which can last for up to three days, also sees people donating to charity as part of the celebrations.
(With thanks to this article for some of the above)
Additional Information:
You can learn more about Ramadan on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam
Image credit: Nouman Younas