Support during Ramadan

Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic calendar, begins based on moon sightings, varying between different mosques. It involves prayer, fasting, charity, and self-accountability. For Muslims, fasting from dawn to sunset is a key practice, symbolizing the cleansing of body, heart, and soul, and reminding them of the poor's struggles.

Ramadan commemorates when Allah revealed the Qur'an's first verses to Muhammad (pbuh) via the angel Gabriel on Laylat Al-Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. The month concludes with Eid-al-Fitr, marked by celebrations, new clothes, gift exchanges, and charitable donations (Zakah).

Fasting during Ramadan is expected of Muslims who have reached puberty, though exceptions include young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and the ill. Exempt individuals often donate money to the poor instead. It is generally discouraged for young children to fast due to their inability to handle long periods without food and water.

Additional Ramadan activities include charitable donations, organizing food drives, and special prayers (Tarawih) where the Qur'an is recited nightly. Ramadan is a joyous time for children due to the festive foods, family gatherings, and gifts during Eid.

Ramadan overview

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, commemorating the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
It includes prayer, fasting, charity, and self-reflection. Muslims abstain from food, water, smoking, and sexual intimacy during daylight hours.

Exemptions

Young children, pregnant/breastfeeding women, the ill, and those unable to fast, are all exempt. Those who are exempt often donate to the poor.

Health guidance

The UK’s Department of Health provides a guide for healthy fasting to avoid complications. Click here to read the NHS advice on healthy meal plans during Ramadan.

Religious practices

Tarawih are nightly prayers aimed at reading the entire Qur’an.
Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with new clothes, gifts, festive foods, mosque services, and charitable donations (Zakah).

Daily routine during ramadan:

Meals are taken before dawn and after sunset. Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal, and Iftar is the evening meal after sunset.
There are five daily prayers.

Supporting children during Ramadan

Support for foster children

Children under puberty aren’t required to fast, but can join prayers and meals.
Provide prayer mats, Qur’ans, and ethnic foods.
Discuss fasting desires with social workers if younger children wish to fast.
Support teenagers in fasting by providing knowledge and appropriate meals.

Activities to strengthen children's bond and identity

Cook ethnic foods together.
Make Eid cards.
Ensure participation in Ramadan activities.

Practical tips for fasting assistance:

Help set alarms for Suhoor.
Share Suhoor meals.
Prepare meals with slow-release energy foods.
Be ready with Iftar at dusk.
Facilitate mosque attendance.

Useful pages

Supporting children during Ramadan

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