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Ramadan Kareem to our staff, patients and communities

As the blessed month of Ramadan begins, Swansea Bay University Health Board's Muslim Chaplain, Shakirah Mannan, shares a message on how she has been preparing and what happens during the month.

As many of you may know, my name is Shakirah Mannan, and I am the Muslim Chaplain for Swansea Bay University Health Board.

These past few weeks I have been actively preparing for Ramadan by setting out water (both normal and Zamzam/Holy Water), dates, as well organizing the provision of warm meals for all Muslim hospital staff during iftar (breaking of the fast).

There will also be, on display in each of our multi-faith centres, information about Ramadan, providing an educational tool for all staff regardless of faith or no faith.

A warm welcome is offered, and support for anyone who needs it during Ramadan, and if anyone would like further information please get in touch – 01792 703301 sbu.chaplaincy@wales.nhs.uk  

 

What is Ramadan?

O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa (God-conscious)” [Quran 2:183]

Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours, meaning they abstain from eating, drinking or engaging in sexual relations for the duration of their fast. Young children, pregnant women, the old, the sick and travellers are examples of those who are exempt from fasting.

Aside from fasting, Muslims observing Ramadan also increase in spiritual devotional acts such as prayer, giving charity and strengthening family ties. Muslims are also encouraged to share their food with friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and to reach out to those who may be fasting alone, to share their Ramadan experiences.

 

Why fasting?

Fasting plays an important role in many major world religions and is a central feature in all the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

In Islam, Muslims, who are able to, are required to fast during the month of Ramadan and are recommended to fast at other times of the year too. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. A key objective of fasting increase in taqwa (closeness to / consciousness of God), and to engender a sense of gratitude, self-discipline and self-improvement, at both an individual and community level, which Muslims are encouraged to continue throughout the year.

At an individual level, fasting encourages us to feel an affinity with the poor across the world who have little or no food to eat, whilst for our own bodies, scientific studies have shown that fasting provides several health benefits and forms of intermittent fasting have been incorporated into several diet regimes. At a community level, the breaking of fast meal (iftar) at sunset encourages families and local communities to share their meal together, whilst charity work in local communities typically increases during Ramadan.

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.

We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.