MUSLIM PUPILS IN HERTFORDSHIRE SCHOOLS

THE MONTH OF FASTING – RAMADAN

1.RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar that is based on the lunar cycle. The beginning and ending of the month is determined by the sighting of the new moon. In 2006 it is anticipated that Ramadan will begin on the 1stSeptember and end on 28th September 2008.

During the month of Ramadan all Muslims over the age of puberty (generally held to be 9 for girls and 12 for boys) must fast during daylight hours. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and has been prescribed by the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet. The Qur’an gives the following reasons:

‘O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to
those before you, that you may learn self-restraint.’ Al-Qur’an Ch 2 V 183

Fasting is an important act of worship as it displays self-control and helps to overcome feelings of greed, selfishness and laziness. Most Muslims expect their behaviour to improve whilst fasting as it is a constant reminder of the spiritual aspect of their lives.

2.WHAT IS NOT PERMITTED DURING RAMADAN?

  • Food and drink during daylight hours
  • Inhaling anything including tobacco during daylight hours
  • Lying, fighting, anger and backbiting are abstained from.

3.HOW DO MUSLIM FAMILIES ORGANISE AND REGARD THEIR DAYS
DURING RAMADAN?

The fasting day begins with a pre-dawn meal called Suhar and the fast itself begins at dawn (not sunrise). It ends immediately after sunset when Muslims break the fast with Iftar, which traditionally consists of something simple, such as dates or water following the practices of the Prophet.

There are additional prayers (called Tarawih) after the regular night prayer which normally but not necessarily, held in congregations in local mosques.

During the last ten nights of Ramadan, it is the custom of Muslims to increase their worship. Some families may spend a whole night in worship. Lailat al Qadr or The Night of Power (this can be the 21st, 23rd, 25th and 27th night of Ramadan and different branches of Islam observe according to their beliefs and guidance form leaders) commemorates the start of the revelation of the Qur’an and some Muslims will spend the night praying and studying the Qur’an.

The month of Ramadan is a special time for Muslims and fasting should not be regarded as an illness or an impediment to a normal way of life. The month culminates in the festival of ‘Eid-ul Fitr’ when Muslims offer thanks for the blessed month just ended (12th October). Special prayers are performed and it is customary to visit relatives and friends. A special charity, Zakat-ul Fitr, is paid before the Eid prayers to make sure that the poor can also share in this special occasion.

4.HOW SHOULD PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HERTFORDFSHIRE TRY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF MUSLIM STAFF
AND PUPILS?

Although the obligation to fast is on every adult from the age of puberty, it is not uncommon to find children as young as 7 or 8 who wish to join the fast. In secondary schools it is to be expected that all practising Muslim pupils will wish to fast.

The LEA recommends the following practices and procedures which schools with Muslim staff and pupils may wish to adopt as a way of sensitively meeting the needs:

  • Heads should write to parents of Muslim pupils to express the school’s desire to work in partnership and ask parents to inform the school whether or not they are expecting their children to fast for all or part of each day (see attached example). Should heads receive a reply in a language other than English then LEA schools can send a copy to Sally Stewart, CSF Communications, County Hall, Hertford who will arrange for a translation.
  • Heads should ensure that all staff are aware of which pupils are fasting. Fasting should not have an adverse effect on work or study but it is almost inevitable that by mid-afternoon, people who are fasting will start to feel tired and reluctant to try anything too strenuous.
  • Those children in your school who are fasting, if their parents wish it, should be excused from strenuous physical exercises, such as PE, cross-country or other strenuous games.
  • Avoidance of swimming would also be welcomed by parents, since under Islamic requirements, no water should enter the mouth during fast times, except for wudu (the wash before prayer).
  • Schools which might be organising mock examinations, test or other examination activities should understand that Muslim pupils who are fasting may not perform at their best. The month of Ramadan should be avoided for these activities if at all possible.
  • Schools should allow pupils and staff to have an authorised absence to celebrate the festival of Eid-ul Fitr at the end of Ramadan. In 2007 it is expected that this will be 12th October. (Some communities in Hertfordshire delay their celebrations to the weekend following the last day of Ramadan).
  • Make all pupils and parents aware of the Holy Month through assemblies and/or newsletters.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

What does Islam say about …….

by Ibrahim Hewitt, published by Muslim Educational Trust

ISBN 0 907 261 256

Siyam – Fasting

by Dr. M.I. Al Geyoushi, published by The Islamic Cultural Centre

Shap Calendar of Religious Festivals

(available from Action Point at Hertfordshire Development Centre, Wheathampstead)

This guidance document has been compiled by the Religious Education Department, Hertfordshire Development Centre, Wheathampstead and members of the Muslim Community in Hertfordshire. If you have any queries, please contact Naomi Rose, Humanities Adviser, Hertfordshire Development Centre, Wheathampstead – telephone 01582 830311 or email: .

EXAMPLE LETTER WHICH SCHOOLS MIGHT SEND TO

MUSLIM PARENTS PRIOR TO RAMADAN

Dear Parent

RAMADAN – THE MONTH OF FASTING

I am aware that you and your family are preparing to celebrate Ramadan, the month of fasting and the school hopes to make arrangements to meeting the needs of Muslim pupils who wish to fast.

Could you please let your child’s form teacher know by returning this letter with your answers:

(i)if you wish your son/daughter to fastyesno

(ii)whether you wish your son/daughter
to fast for all or part of the day allpart

(iii)what you would like us to do in thecontactoffer
event of your child being taken illparents food
or fainting due to hunger

(iv)whether you wish your child to be
excused from physical activity,yesno

e.g. PE for the whole month

(v)any other information which you think
might help us make school more
comfortable during Ramadan

Finally, on behalf of the school may I wish you and your family a peaceful and blessed month and a very happy Eid-ul-Fitr.

Yours sincerely,

Headteacher

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