#RamadanAtHome

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone observing Ramadan in Reading. May this holy time bring you peace and good health.

Ramadan, which started on Thursday, (23 April), is the holiest month of the year for Muslims and includes a total fast between sunrise and sunset each day. In 2020 Ramadan will be a very different experience for Muslims all over the world due to the COVID-19 restrictions.     The Council has been speaking with representatives from mosques across the borough. Here is a joint message from the mosques across Greater Reading:

Ramadan At Home

All mosques continue to remain closed, fully in accordance with the UK coronavirus lockdown. The message for Ramadan this year is clear: fast and pray at home. As Muslim communities across all of Reading and beyond enter the holy month of Ramadan, their thoughts and prayers will be for those who have lost loved ones, those who are working on the frontline and generally for the health and well-being of all. Ramadan is a time for deep reflection and to come closer to God through fasting, prayer and charity. Mosques in Reading are already geared up providing online streaming services and this will continue throughout Ramadan, enabling communities to connect whilst staying safe at home. Muslims increase their charity during Ramadan and this year will be no different. Mosques, organisations and individuals have been supporting local charities and services, as they always have. This will continue. #Ramadan2020 #RamadanAtHome #StayHomeSaveLives

The Muslim Council of Britain has provided COVID-19 guidance including #RamadanAtHome

The advice includes top tips for Ramadan at home, including home and virtual iftars. There are also sections on keeping healthy during Ramadan, how to cope at home throughout, whether people are working, studying or just staying indoors and advice for Mosques and prayer facilities. Visit the Muslim Council of Britain’s website for more information: https://mcb.org.uk/resources/ramadan

Diabetes and Ramadan

Diabetes UK has guidance (available in English, Arabic, Urdu & Bengali) on fasting with diabetes. It includes tips on the type of food to eat before & after your fast each day, and advice on how to reduce the risks of becoming ill if you decide to fast: www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/ramadan

Public Health England

Read Public Health England's blog on #RamadanAtHome https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/04/22/stay-at-home-for-ramadan