What does Ramadan really mean to people at Mid Yorkshire?

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic Lunar calendar and is a time of spiritual and social rejuvenation for Muslims globally, through the ritual of fasting.

Embracing diversity is at the heart of Mid Yorkshire's culture, with our employees spanning every corner of the world and coming from various different faiths and religious backgrounds. We caught up with some of our colleagues to gain a better understanding of what Ramandan really means to them.

Heena Mahmood, Digital Lead for Adult Community Services

"Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude and faith which I enjoy taking time out to focus on. We observe Iftar (breaking of the fast) with family and friends, encouraging the sense of community as we break bread together. There is always a strong focus on charity and giving in this time which always makes me always proud of what we achieve – in 2020 alone, UK Charities governance estimated British Muslims donated over £150m to charitable causes during Ramadan!

I tend to spend my time fasting, at prayers, with family and friends, and often fundraising too for a variety of causes. In the last 10 days this increases as we make the most of the time we have left. Followed by a last minute dash of Eid presents, decorations and food preps for the coming Eid-ul-Fitr – where we mark the end of the month!"

Sarfraz Akram, Improvement Analyst

"To me Ramadan is a special time to increase ones Sabr (patience), closeness to God and generosity towards others whom are less fortunate. The reason I partake is because it’s one of the five pillars that a Muslim should live by. Waking up before the sun rises is not an easy task to do, especially when you’re a tired and grumpy like I am. Yet my family like many others wake up for suhoor, an early breakfast, in preparation for the days fast. For me, this is a time to reflect and be grateful to Allah for everything that we are given because once the sun rises I will no longer be able to enjoy the abundant amounts of food made by my mum and wife.

This month is also a time to strengthen the bond within the community. It is also custom for Muslims to invite their friends and neighbours to break fast, also known as Iftar. Ramadan is a great time for me to reconnect and stay in touch with my family and friends. After my family finishes Iftar, we go to the mosque to perform special prayers known as Taraweeh. It is during this time that Muslims reconnect with their Lord through the recitation of the holy book, the Quran in the remembrance of God, known in Arabic as Dhikr. The last ten days of Ramadan are the holiest days and I offer charity to those less fortunate.

Once the holy month of Ramadan comes to close, we gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast known as Eid al-Fitr. We celebrate this festive day through exchanging of gifts, wearing nice clean clothes, visiting family and friends."

Nabila Mushtaq, Clinical Support Worker

"Ramadan to me is a spiritual reflection, it's a month to remind us to support others that are less fortunate, brings you closer to God and brings your loved ones closer to you too.

Any reminder is better than no reminder that we need to stop and think how we can do better for ourselves and others and I feel privileged to have this reminder every year in our religion to stop and think not just about me but for others too."

Aslam Seedat, Chaplain

"Ramadan is wonderful time for Muslims. It is a time for reflection and revaluation of ones life and perspectives. It is a time where hearts unite, inspire and love is shared. In a world full of trauma and sadness, fasting for me not only brings a sense of peace and patience, but it provides a time for introspection and appreciation for all the blessings we possess and take for granted. Peace, stability, and family are such wonderful gifts I have that Ramadan stimulates that sense of acknowledgement and appreciation. The fleeting feeling of hunger and thirst enables me to share a momentary experience with the poor and destitute. Finally, one of the most indescribable moments of spiritual upliftment for me is at the time of sunset when we break the fast - its surreal and a true feeling of joy and accomplishment."

On behalf of everyone at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals, Ramadan Mubarak to all of our colleagues, patients and everyone within our Muslim communities.