ETHNIC MINORITY ACHIEVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICE

Guidance on Ramadan and Eid

This guidance aims to help schools with Muslim pupils to plan sensitively for the month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid.

Ramadan

This is a special month for Muslims. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is known as the month of fasting (Sawm). This year Ramadan will start in Milton Keynesaround the11thAugust2010depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon, and will last for 30 days.

The faststarts at the break of dawn and ends at sunset. This year the fast will start approximately around 3.30a.m. to 8.00p.m. Between these times Muslims do not eat or drink. Pupils may be tired because family routines have changed. Many Muslims will try to read the whole of the Q’uran during the month of Ramadan. This means that if pupils go to supplementary schools they may be required to read the Q’uran for longer periods of time. Schools should consider this when setting homework.

Fasting is obligatory for all adults and usually starts from the age of puberty. However, there will be some pupils from Year 4 onwards who will be fasting during the school day. It is suggested that schools support pupils who are fasting and provide alternative lunchtime arrangements in school. Remember that pupils will not be fasting everyday and so teachers will need to monitor pupils on a daily basis.

Suggestions for schools:

  • Consult with Muslim families about their children’s specific needs before the start of Ramadan
  • Maintain a daily register of children who are fasting in school
  • Ask Muslim parents to complete a form to advise them that their children are fasting (see attachment)
  • Make lunchtime provision for fasting children who stay at school, such as providing a special quiet room for praying and reading
  • Pupils who wish to pray will need access to washing facilities. During this month pupils may bring in a container forpouring water – used to make ablutions
  • If necessary pupils should be allowed to bring in prayer mats and stories of the Prophet Mohammed
  • Parents may be willing to come in at lunchtime to share Islamic stories
  • Ensure that short-term planning does not cause children to involuntarily break the fast or cause the pupil to undergo undue exertion, such as food tasting in Science
  • Female pupils may start to wear headscarves (hijab) in school. Staff and pupils will need to be sensitive to this dress code
  • Muslim pupils may not wish to take part in swimming lessons if they are fasting since no water should enter the mouth during fasting
  • Some pupils may not want to participate in singing practice. Schools should discuss these issues with parents in advance
  • Celebrate the end of Ramadan by an assembly and congratulate those Muslim pupils who managed to observe the fasts. A certificate of achievement could be awarded

Eid

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of fasting. Pupils will be celebrating with their families with special food and drink. All members of the family will be wearing special new clothes. The celebration will include a visit to the mosque for an Eid prayer. Preparation for Eid day starts at the beginning of the month of Ramadan.

Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of the special pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).

Children are eligible for authorised absence for Eid. This is up to two days for Eid-ul–Fitr (known as little Eid) and one day for Eid-ul-Adha (known as big Eid).

This year Eid-ul-Fitr will be around the 17th November2010, again depending on the sighting of thenew crescent moon.

Further details:

“Equality and Diversity in Milton Keynes”- EMASS

EMASS Support Staff Advisor

email: Telephone EMASS: 01908 270409

M:/publications/INFORM/1.08.08 Guidance on Ramadan & EID