What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims worldwide. It is observed by Muslims as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, withdrawing from food, drink, and other physical needs. The fast is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the core acts of worship and practices that Muslims follow.

Fasting

The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, which typically begins with the consumption of dates and water, followed by a larger meal shared with family and community members. Another meal, called suhoor, is eaten in the pre-dawn hours before the fast begins again.

Strengthening the relationship with Allah

Ramadan is not only about fasting; it's also a time for increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, and acts of charity. Many Muslims aim to strengthen their relationship with Allah and improve their character during this month. They believe that during Ramadan, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied, and it's a time for spiritual growth. In addition to fasting and prayer, Ramadan is a time for community gatherings, where Muslims come together for special prayers at mosques, share meals with family and friends, and engage in acts of kindness and generosity.

When does Ramadan end?

The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is a festival of breaking the fast. It is a joyous occasion characterized by communal prayers, feasting, giving of gifts, and acts of charity.

Where can I pray?

There are prayer rooms available to students across the ARU campuses throughout the day. You can find them:

• Cambridge Mumford Building MUM020
• Cambridge Young Street YST301
• Chelmsford Muslim Prayer Room SAW017
• Peterborough University House UHP206
• London Import Building Room 407

A New Prayer Space in Young Street

VP HCP Farwa Rida has been working in partnership with the Deputy Dean Education in HeMS to find a space for students to use during Ramadan.  A room (YST 301) has been booked to use as a prayer room on Mondays-Fridays from 28th February to 31st March so that our Muslim students do not need to go to the main campus to pray.

Support from your SU throughout Ramadan

Dates

Friday 28 February 2025 - Sunday 30 March 2025 SU space for Chelmsford and Cambridge

Free dates will be available across all our campuses in your SU spaces and in the campus prayer rooms (including the temporary prayer room in Young Street). This year, we have purchased our dates from The Date Project which supports charity initiatives from all over the world.

Iftar Meal

18:30 | Thursday 13 March 2025 SU space for Chelmsford and Cambridge

The Students' Union is working in partnership with ARU to provide Iftar and communal evening for those participating in Ramadan. This will be served at sunset in the SU space in Chelmsford and Cambridge.

For more information about Ramadan and the resources available, visit our article here or by clicking the button below.

LEARN MORE