Saturday 01-03-2025 - 09:00

From Saturday 1 March to Monday 30 March those who practice Islam will be celebrating Ramadan.

But what is Ramadan and why is it celebrated? Well, we spoke to Ibty, one of our BAME Ambassadors, about what Ramadan means to her.

 

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What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in Islam, a time of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection aimed at strengthening my connection to God. It lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.

This year, Ramadan will start on the evening of Saturday 1 March and end on Monday, 30 March, with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

 

What happens during Ramadan?

Fasting is the central practice of Ramadan. From sunrise (Suhoor) to sunset (Iftar), I abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs and no, not all Muslims fast—children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant women, and travellers are exempt.

But Ramadan is about more than just refraining from eating—it’s a time for spiritual discipline, gratitude, and giving back to the community. I also engage in additional prayers, such as Taraweeh, and strive to be more mindful, charitable, and compassionate.

 

What do you wish people knew about Ramadan?

Whilst fasting is the most well-known aspect of Ramadan, the month is about much more. It’s a time of self-improvement, charity (Zakat), and deepening faith. I take this time to read and reflect on the Qur’an, spend more time in prayer, and increase acts of kindness.

Ramadan teaches patience, empathy, and gratitude for the blessings I often take for granted. Many people assume fasting is just about giving up food, but it’s also about curbing bad habits, negative thoughts, and distractions

Manchester has a vibrant Muslim community, and during Ramadan, the city comes alive with events and initiatives. Many mosques host nightly Taraweeh prayers, Iftar gatherings, and charity drives. Places like the Manchester Central Mosque and the British Muslim Heritage Centre often organise community Iftars open to all.

There’re also food drives and fundraising efforts to support those in need, creating a strong sense of unity. I’m quite excited about the Iftar Night being hosted by BAME x ISOC.

 

What does Ramadan mean to you?

Ramadan, to me, is a time of renewal and grounding. It’s a time to disconnect from distractions and focus on what truly matters—faith, family, and community.

I start my day with Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal to fuel me for the fast ahead. Throughout the day, I balance my usual routine with prayer and reflection. Iftar is my favourite moment—breaking my fast with dates and water, followed by a hearty home cooked meal with family or friends. Some nights, I join the community for Taraweeh prayers, and other times, I focus on quiet reflection at home.

The act of fasting teaches resilience, and the joy of breaking fast with loved ones every evening is a reminder of the importance of togetherness. It’s also a moment to reset, reflect, and work on being a better version of myself.

There’re so many things I love about Ramadan, but these are my favourites:

• How it brings my family together
• The camaraderie
• Cooking together for Iftar
• Waking each other up for Suhoor and laughing when I see my little cousins struggle to stay awake
• Reading and memorising the Qur’an
• Watching my little sisters have their first Ramadan
• Being excited about our Eid plans and outfits
• Sharing food with neighbours
• Having home-cooked meals

Moving to the UK and fasting during Ramadan was such a huge culture shock because of the time difference and how much longer the fast could be compared to my experience in Ghana. I miss the feeling of being with my large and extended family during this month most.

 

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As the month comes to an end, it’s a bittersweet feeling. Ramadan brings such a sense of peace, and saying goodbye to it is always hard. But it also leads to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a day filled with prayers, feasts, and festivities.

Ramadan is a deeply personal and communal experience. Whether you’re observing it or simply want to learn more, it’s a beautiful time to embrace kindness, reflection, and understanding. If you’re in Manchester and want to experience Ramadan’s spirit, check out local community Iftars or charity events—everyone is welcome to be part of the togetherness that this month brings.