Supporting and celebrating Ramadan: A guide for everyone
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. It's considered one of the most spiritual times of the year and signifies the time during which the Qur’an was revealed.
Different people will be celebrating Ramadan in various ways. Many Muslims find Ramadan is a time where their usual spiritual practice increases, whilst other Muslims find Ramadan is a time to connect more with their faith than they do at other times of the year. This is part of each individual’s own journey.
This year, Ramadan is predicted to take place on Friday 28 February and last until approximately Sunday 30 March. Fasting Muslims will refrain from food and water from sunrise to sunset throughout this time. Eid-Al-Fitr (day of celebration) will be held on Monday 31 March.
Join our iftar in the Fusion Building
Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan and is the meal Muslims have once the sun sets. It typically starts with eating dates and drinking water, followed by a larger meal with various dishes.
If you're observing Ramadan, you're welcome to join us at an iftah on Friday 21 March either in the Atrium in Fusion Building or FG04 (Fusion Building) between 5pm and 9pm.
Our Faith & Reflection Centre will be open until 8pm on weekdays during Ramadan for our Muslim students and staff to be able to break their prayers and fast.
How to support our Muslim friends
Supporting Muslims goes beyond thinking about what to say to someone fasting for Ramadan; it’s about showing an understanding and considering how you can support them during this time.
Our Islamic Faith Adviser Sister Tama has put together this information to help our Muslim students, such as what's going on in the local community and information about a hadith project running throughout Ramadan.
Which mosques provide taraweeh and iftah facilities?
While festivities are a happy time for most, it can be also be difficult for those who have lost loved ones or are unable to be with their families during the celebrations. This is a timely reminder that the BU Faith & Reflection Centre is here to support students and staff of all faiths - and none - who may find the opportunity for listening, connection and encounter with an adviser helpful in this time.
The Faith & Reflection Centre, which can be found in Talbot House on Talbot Campus, also has an Islamic prayer room, which students can use throughout the week.
Snacks in the library at sunset: Snacks such as dates will be provided in the entranceways to both our libraries at sunset for anyone observing Ramadan: The Sir Michael Cobham Library on Talbot Campus and the Weston Library in Bournemouth Gateway Building on Lansdowne Campus. Please help yourselves!
Do wish any students that you know are celebrating and observing Ramadan “Ramadan Mubarak!” ("Rah-mah-dahn Moo-bah-rahk!") and if you have any questions, please contact Sister Tama by emailing [email protected].
