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Issue 256, Friday 27 August 2010 - 17 Ramadan 1431 Missing Ramadan atmosphere in Britain By Sara Asaria Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, tests the self-control of Muslims all around the world. The month serves as an annual opportunity for Muslims to re-examine their lifestyle and break harmful habits. To succeed in the quest for self-improvement, Muslims believe that it is necessary to develop a stronger bond with God and nourish their souls, through emphasis on prayer and reading the Qur’an. The difficulties of such a task are not lost on Muslims. Salif Ndjaie, a Senegalise IT teacher in Greenford, realises that living in a non-Muslim country poses challenges to one’s faith. “The temptations are a lot stronger when family is not around you.” Pakistani teacher, Sheema Butt, agrees, “If I miss anything the most during month of Ramadan in London it is the spirit, which is mainly due to not living in a Muslim country. In my culture women do not go the mosque so I hardly see anyone other than my family.” She further explains difficulties imposed by her career, during the month. “As a working woman I cannot even find place and time to pray. When I go home I do qada prayers but I am so tired that I cannot do any nafil (extra prayers) which we tend to do during this month.” The effects of living in a non-Muslim country are equally strong for young Muslims. Iranian student Nazanin Motahari misses her home town during this month more than any other time. In Iran, “families and relatives would gather and break their fast together. So you could really feel the happy and joyful atmosphere, almost as if people were closer to each other compared to other times,” she said. Sarah Sayeed, a Pakistani student, misses the communal aspect of fasting back- home. “In Pakistan, the whole country fasts and most restaurants are closed during the day. At maghrib (sunset when fast is broken) time, there is pin-drop silence in the streets; later they are full of people selling food. Most shops also have ‘Ramadan special offers’ during the month. It’s the best place to be.” In contrast, Zahra-Al-Katab, of mixed parentage (Arab-Scottish), admits that her own community lacks a sense of togetheness during the month. On the other hand, she welcomes the positive reactions of non-Muslims. “People are accepting our fasts definitely. A lot of people don’t like to eat in front of me when I’m fasting which is nice. It just shows they care.” A firm faith in the message of God and understanding of Ramadan’s core message also help Muslims stay on track. “Once you realise that you are fasting for yourself and not for others, you strive to do your best,” says Salif. Sheema. She adds that even the long fasts during summer months are not enough to detract from her faith. “I strongly believe that fasting is very good for our health in the long run and if we fast for Allah He will give us courage and strength.” Successfully completing the fasts results in a great sense of achievement, something A-level student Najaf Raza looks forward to. She explains: “It’s a time where you resolve to improve yourself, and this starts with instilling some discipline and showing yourself you can do anything, you can even go a whole day without eating or drinking. It’s an empowering experience.”
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