Acknowledgment: I am a white none religious heterosexual person who identifies as a woman with lived experiences of disabilities and long-term health conditions. I have no lived experiences of observing Ramadan or practicing the Muslim faith. This blog is written in an act of allyship, to provide information for others to reflect on. For more info https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/giving/islamic-giving/ramadan/what-is-ramadan/
We work in an increasingly diverse landscape. It is likely that you may work alongside or deliver occupational therapy services to someone who is observing Ramadan. As a profession whose central purpose is to understand what makes up a person as an occupational being, we recognise that engaging in religious practices is an important occupation for many. However, how much do our Western practices take into account the changes in occupational engagement during the month of Ramadan?
It is important that we take the time to understand, and respect this important religious practise, and acknowledge the impact this might have on how a person carries out the activities of daily living/occupations whilst observing Ramadan.
Muslims are followers of Islam, which was founded on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the holy book, the Quran. Islam is one of the major world religions. Muslims, make up a significant portion of the global population. The word “Muslim” is derived from the Arabic word “Islam,” which means submission or surrender to God.
Key tenets and practices of Islam include:
Belief in One God (Allah) Muslims believe in the oneness of God, acknowledging Allah as the only deity and the ultimate source of guidance.
Prophethood Muslims believe that Allah has sent prophets throughout history to guide humanity. The final prophet is Muhammad, who received revelations from Allah, which were later compiled into the Quran.
The Quran as the holy scripture, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It serves as the primary source of guidance for Muslims in matters of faith and practice.
Five Pillars of Islam:
Shahada (Declaration of Faith) The testimony that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.
Salah (Prayer) Muslims are required to pray five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
Zakat (Charity):Muslims are obligated to give a portion of their wealth to help those in need.
Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan):Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
Islam has two major branches, Sunni and Shia, which differ primarily in their beliefs about the rightful successors of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims gather for communal prayers in mosques, and Friday is considered a special day for congregational prayers.
It’s important to note that Islam is a diverse religion, with various cultural practices and interpretations of its teachings. Muslims come from different ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Muslim community worldwide.
Eid Celebration
Eid, is an Arabic word that means “festival” or “celebration.” In Islam, there are two major annual festivals that are commonly referred to as “Eid”,
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. It is a day of celebration and thanksgiving to Allah for the strength and self-discipline shown during the month of fasting. Eid al-Fitr usually begins with a special prayer called Salat al-Eid, Muslims also give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity, before the Eid prayer to ensure that the less fortunate can participate in the festivities. its an occasions of joy, generosity, and community. Families come together for festive meals, exchange gifts, and engage in acts of kindness and charity. Muslims also use these occasions to strengthen social ties, seek forgiveness, and express gratitude for the blessings they have received.
Ramadan There is no set date for Ramadan; it is observed when the moon for the 9th lunar month is sighted and lasts continually throughout the month. Due to the lunar calendar’s origin, the Islamic lunar calendar is shifted every year by 10-11 days. This year Ramadan is expected to commence 10th March (Subject to the sighting of the moon) The fast lasts between dawn and sunset each day and includes complete abstinence from both food and drink, for all healthy adult Muslims (who are otherwise not exempt) on reaching puberty. There are also other activities that should be avoided during the month of Ramadan. Such as gossiping, cursing, lying, arguing, and sexual contact. Ramadan is a time to improve your understanding of Islam, a time to recite the Quran and perform Salah (Namaz) during prayer times. Exemptions to fasting include;
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Women during their menstruation.
- Those who are travelling
- Those who are physical and or mentally unwell and/or unable to consent or have capacity to understand.
- Those that have health conditions that mean fasting would impact negatively on their health.
Despite being in the above categories, some prefer not to miss the fasts in view of the special blessings and spiritual benefits during this time. Many Muslim with acute or long term health conditions or disabilities may still choose to fast. It’s important to have the facts; learn how fasting during Ramadan may affect the health of service users, and our collagues by ensuring they get the right support that allows engagement in this meaningful occupation.
Click this link of details of the timetable for Ramadan https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/giving/islamic-giving/ramadan/ramadan-timetable/
Fasting
Fasting can have profound effects on individuals’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being, below are some of the things we may want to take into consideration.
Understanding the impact of fasting on engaging in daily activities is essential for occupational therapists to provide effective and culturally sensitive care.
Fasting affects physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Considerations include: energy levels and productivity, cognitive function and concentration, physical endurance and strength, emotional well-being, hydration, and adapting daily routines.
By recognising the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that may occur during fasting, therapists should tailor interventions to accommodate changes during fasting and support maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle throughout this period of spiritual observance.
Eid is a big part of the celebration, taking note of when it is takes places to ensure you are not expecting people to engage in an appointment, or thinking about working patterns to allow team members time off to celebrate shows respect and allyship.
“Ramadan Mubarak!”
This greeting is commonly used during the month of Ramadan and translates to “Blessed Ramadan” in English. It conveys good wishes and blessings for a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan.
If you have a specific context or relationship with the person you’re addressing, you may also consider expressing additional sentiments, such as:
- “May this Ramadan be a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and joy for you and your loved ones.”
- “Wishing you peace, prosperity, and the blessings of this holy month.”
- “May your prayers and acts of kindness during Ramadan be rewarded with peace and happiness.”
Remember that greetings during religious observances should be respectful and considerate of the individual’s beliefs and practices.
Thanks for reading Rachel
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