Edin's Ramadan Fundraising for Mental Health UK

From tomorrow the blessed month of Ramadan will start.

For many Muslims around the world this is a month of fasting, spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. People will make a special effort to connect with their communities and reach out to people who need help.

Islam encourages Muslims to be charitable and give generously to the poor, needy and the community we live in.

I have decided that throughout Ramadan 2018 (16th May - 15th June). I would donate £5 of lunch money for every working day I would be fasting.

My aim is to raise £200 for Mental Health UK. So why not join me in this cause.

Also try to get involved in Ramadan and fast for a day.

Attempt going without food or drink from sunrise to sunset. In the summer months this can be quite a challenge due to the longer daylight. Alternatives could include, only drinking water during sunrise and sunset or choosing a particular time frame. E.g. 9-5, where you abstain from food and drink.

Participating in this exercise as part of a team further enhances the experience to so why not see if you can get your whole team involved.

What is Ramadan?

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won't eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This is called fasting. Fasting is important during Ramadan as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah, or God.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

It is common to have a meal (known as the suhoor) just before dawn and another (known as the iftar) directly after sunset. At the end of the fast - when the sun has gone down - families and friends will get together for iftar to break their fast. Many Muslims also go to the mosque to pray.

Does everybody fast?

Not everybody fasts during Ramadan. Children, pregnant women, the elderly and those who are ill or who are travelling don't have to fast.

What happens at the end of Ramadan?

There is a special three-day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. This is called Eid al-Fitr - the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. It begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky.

Muslims will not only celebrate the end of fasting, but will also thank Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month. Often children and adults are given presents and new clothes

I would like to wish everyone a very happy and blessed Ramadan and great time with friends and family.