An introduction to Ramadan and fasting - its meaning and lessons. A typical daily routine for Muslims as well as advice on how to support colleagues who may be fasting and new Muslims.

1. “…So that you may
develop mindfulness”
{Qur’an 2:183}
Discover Islam
www.discover-islam.co.uk
An introduction to Ramadan

2. 1.6 billion
Ramadan is practised at vastly different
TIMES and in different CULTURES although
the core principles are the same

3. Fast
times
around
the
world

4. Muslim students break their fast
Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2018
Breaking fast before 2020

5. Free food is placed at the roadside in Karachi as iftar approaches
Covid19 lockdown still easing
Social
distancing in
mosques and
public spaces
Virtually breaking
fast with friends
and family
Vaccinations
through
Ramadan
Working
from home

6. Literal Heat /
burning sensation
Noun
The 9th month of
the Islamic
calendar during
which healthy
Muslims fast from
dawn to sunset
Ramadan
Meaning

7. The benefits of heating:
• Removal of harmful bacteria
• Purification of minerals
• Enhance the texture and taste
of food
• Aids digestion and prevents
acidity
Why heat?
• Even silicone chips are derived
from heating quartz sand up to
1800°C

8. Based on moon
sighting
• Studies have shown
that the moon
influences our moods
and physical cycles
• Rise and fall of the tide
and rain patterns
Lunar
calendar

9. What makes
Ramadan special?
The Messengers of God received revelation in this month
Abraham
Suhuf
Moses
Tawrah
David
Zaboor
Jesus
Injeel
Muhammad
Qur’an

10. Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed
as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to
distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, let them fast.
But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after
Ramadan˺. God intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the
prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps
you will be grateful.

11. Sawm
Meaning
(~Fast)
Literal To hold
back / abstain

12. The path to mastery
Self control
---
of your most basic needs
If all else fails,
Control
yourself
Alter your
thoughts
Delete
negativity

13. Contemporary
fasting focuses
on detoxing
the body
decreasing
toxins,
promoting
blood flow and
increasing lung
volumes
Sawm includes
clearing the mind
from distractions,
preventing the
limbs from
indecency,
subduing the ego,
avoiding waste
and giving from
what you love
Sawm is more than fasting
"Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil
deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his
(fasting) leaving his food and drink.“ – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Bukhari 6057

14. God intends ease for you, not
hardship {Qur’an 2:185}
Annual training programme

15. TAQWA:
To
increase
mindfulness
of God
Purpose of
Ramadan

16. Food for Thought
We are two parts –
body & soul.
The body is fueled by
food and drink, but
how about the soul?

17. We send down the Quran as a healing
and mercy for the believers {Qur’an 2:183}

18. “Unquestionably, in the remembrance of God,
hearts find rest”
{Qur'an 13:28}

19. • Mindful control
• Reflect and understand
God’s view through the
Qur’an
• Tilaawah: operationalise
the message
Theory meets
practice

20. Daily planner
Morning meal
& prayers
Work/Study
Midday prayer
Give some
charity
Afternoon
prayer
Read Qur’an
Help family
Break fast
Evening prayer
Learn
Night prayer
Supplications
4am
9am
1pm
6pm
8pm
10
pm
Schedule

21. 2021 research

22. How to support fasting Muslims
• Do not make assumptions about who in
your team may be observing Ramadan –
Islam is a faith that welcomes people of
all races and backgrounds.
• Be aware and open to discussing
Ramadan and what support or
adjustments your team or neighbours
would like
• Providing allowance for prayer times,
considering annual leave requests and
requests for flexible work hours
recognising they’ll have late nights and
wont be taking a lunch break.
• Not inviting them social events in the
evenings or where food is served
• Colleagues who are fasting will not
expect others, who are not observing
Ramadan to do the same, so please
don’t feel anxious about making a cup of
tea for the team or eating your lunch.

23. How to support
new Muslims
• Recognise they may not have the family
and community support that other
Muslims may have
• Involve them and their families to iftar
meals where possible, recognising and
accommodating their different cultural
diet
• Support them in learning about
Ramadan and sawm through discussion
and share experiences
• Ease them into Ramadan practises where
there are allowances e.g. night prayers,
charitable giving

24. God never
forgets you for a
moment, blessing
you with every
breath, food from
the earth,
enjoyment and
challenge, family
and friends.
So how can we
forget the one
who gives us
opportunity and
life?

25. Ramadan Mubarak
Discover Islam
www.discover-islam.co.uk