By Fatou Coulibaly
About one quarter of the world’s population, or 1.8 billion Muslims, are observing Ramadan worldwide, including UK Muslims. They started fasting for the holiest month on the 23 March, and expect to finish by 21 April, depending on the moon.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is part of the five pillars of Islam, and is the month when the Quran was descended to all Muslims. Therefore, it is a time for reflecting, worshipping, doing good deeds, sharing with other Muslims, and prayers to remember Allah (God).
The remarkable thing for all Muslims this Ramadan is giving charity to the poorest in need during the holy season.
It’s also based on the Muslim lunar calendar and the sighting of the moon. Each lunar year is roughly ten days shorter than the usual Roman calendar. Meaning Ramadan moves approximately ten days earlier each year, and the moon does not fix dates.
Consequently, falling in different seasons and the length of daily fasts depends on the amount of daylight. For example, UK Muslims will be fasting for roughly 14 hours each day.
Ibrahim Barry, who studies Travel Management at London Metropolitan University, said: “As Muslims, when you come out of Ramadan, you become a new person, more generous, kind and closer to your Lord by reading the Quran.”
London’s Mayor made a special Ramadan Tweet this year:
What are some London Met students opinion on Ramadan?
Some Muslim students believe it discriminatory for non-Muslims to eat next to someone fasting in Ramadan.
Shaan Hamed, 25, a Business Management and Marketing student, said: “At the start I felt angry, but I got used to it now and don’t mind. Non-Muslims need to eat their lunch, and I must also consider that part. Growing up, Muslims never faced any discrimination. There were many Muslims where I lived and many Muslim students in London Met where I study.”
Another student mentioned that she found it discriminatory that student loan interest fees would affect her fasting, as any interest fees are seen as being a riba, or unjust.
“Therefore non-interest fees should be applied to Muslim students,” she said.
Awa Hamad, 23, who is in his Foundation year of Business said: “I am guilty about having student loans, and I am worried. Once I finish I will work and save money and pay the loan.”
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