Faith Leaders across Barking and Dagenham have sent messages of support and togetherness to Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan. The Holy Month occurs on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts for the entire month, culminating in the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
This year, once again, Barking and Dagenham Council have worked with the largest purpose-built Mosque in the borough, Al Madina, to agree that a public call to prayer (The Adhaan) will be played daily throughout Ramadan. The Adhaan will be played to provide local members of the community with a shared sense of connection and reassurance to the times for prayer during the holy month. A recitation will be played:
• When the fast is opened in the evening each day (at sunset), which given the time of year will range from approximately 7.30pm to around 8.30pm – for a 30-day period from around 2 April.
• An additional recitation will take place at 1:30pm on Fridays, recognising the need for afternoon prayers.
Ramadan Mubarak to all, I pray you have a blessed month and maximise the time to help improve yourself, your communities and the world
Henry Gregg, Director of Strategy and Culture at the council said: “We would like to wish every person celebrating in the borough, a peaceful and blessed Ramadan. We hope that you and your families enjoy the opportunities to celebrate healthily this month.”
Additionally, the NHS have released advice for all those celebrating, to encourage people to plan ahead for a healthy Ramadan. Advice they have published can be found on their website.
Himanshu Jain, Chair of Barking and Dagenham Faith Forum said: “I would like to convey the support and blessings of every member of the Barking & Dagenham Faith Forum, to everyone observing across the borough as the holy month of Ramadan starts. Ramadan is a time for peaceful reflection where those observing, are encouraged to seek closeness to their faith and support those less fortunate in their community.
“Encouraging peacefulness, devotion, unity and support for humanity, is a practice shared across the world’s religions, and is something to which every member of every faith can recognise and support. Therefore, we offer a heartfelt ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ to all our friends at this time and hope you have a peaceful and blessed month.”
Ashfaq Siddique, Secretary of the Al Madina Mosque Barking said: “As soon as the Holy month arrives an instantaneous peace accompanies it.
“It is as if the world slows down to allow us a period of reflection, an opportunity to reconnect with our Lord, refocus our lives and be thankful for HIS mercies and blessings upon us.
“Ramadan Mubarak to all, I pray you have a blessed month and maximise the time to help improve yourself, your communities and the world.”