Ramadan is the name of the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The calendars being different is why the dates of Ramadan (and other important dates and celebrations) change on the Gregorian calendar (the normal one!) each year. This year, Ramadan will start on Sunday, 10 March 2024 and end on 9 April 2024. After the end of Ramadan, on the 1st day of the month Shawal, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. This year, this will likely fall on 10 April 2024.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, a month of fasting (sawm), increased worship, self-reflection, charity, service, communal gathering, and spiritual development. Muslims do not eat or drink anything between the morning prayer and the dusk prayer at sunset during this month. This is an act of worship but is also meant to serve as a reminder to be patient, grateful and empathise with those less blessed than us. At sunset, they come together with family and friends and larger gatherings in mosques and community spaces to share the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar.

In the spirit of community and charity this Ramadan, the Oaklands Muslim community, along with the PSA, are organising an Iftar gathering in school. We intend to break our fast together with a glass of water and a date, in the tradition of the prophet (peace be upon him). Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals provided.

Please sign up on Gateway to give us an idea of numbers and food preferences.

If anyone would like to join in the fast, the timings on 15 March 2024 will be 4:34am to 6:09pm.