Ramadan 2021 latest update – Holy month finally underway as 2 billion Muslims mark 1st day after official moon sighting
TWO billion Muslims have marked the first day of Ramadan, after the the official sighting of the new crescent moon.
The holy month of Ramadan is considered a time of spiritual reflection, fasting and prayers.
Each year, Muslims across the globe abstain from eating or drinking between dawn and sundown during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
The first day of Ramadan began yesterday, Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
A health boss has confirmed that Muslims can have a Covid-19 jab during Ramadan without breaking their fast.
David Regan, Manchester’s director of Public Health, said: "The vaccine will not invalidate the fast and I would urge anyone who is contacted about their first or second jab during Ramadan to keep their appointment.”
He also told Manchester Evening News: "We have a large population of Muslim residents in Manchester and it’s important that the work we are doing supports them, particularly during Ramadan.
"The Muslim Council of Great Britain and the British Islamic Medical Association has produced a wealth of information to ensure that worshippers in Manchester can make the right decision over the vaccine."
Fasting begins at sunrise after suhur and then finishes at sunset with iftar.
All Muslims who have reached puberty are expected to fast during Ramadan.
However, there are some exceptions such as women who are menstruating or pregnant and those suffering from illness.
Read our Ramadan live blog below for all of the latest news and updates...
RAMADAN FASTING TIPS
Make sure you have your morning meal - It's important not to skip the morning meal before the fast begins, even if you don't have an appetite, as it can help maintain energy levels for the body.
Stay hydrated - Make sure to rehydrate and get your full recommended intake before sunrise and after sunset.
Don't over eat - Be mindful of your portions, heavy foods can cause tiredness and make you feel uncomfortable after long days not eating.
SMALLER PRAYER GROUPS AND SANITISATION STATIONS
Mosques around the UK have updated protocols to accommodate worshippers during a second Ramadan affected by Covid restrictions.
The East London Mosque and Muslim Centre, one of the largest mosques in Europe and the biggest in the UK – accommodating more than 7,000 worshippers on Fridays before the pandemic – is preparing to welcome people back for Ramadan prayers, according to Guardian reports.
Shaykh Abdul Qayum, the mosque’s head imam, said they were “blessed” to be able to return.
““However, we shouldn’t forget that we are still in a pandemic, and as such, the mosque has taken appropriate precautions to ensure that Ramadan in its premises is conducted in a safe way,” he said.
The mosque has shortened prayer sessions, worshipping groups would be smaller, and sanitisation stations had been placed throughout the building.
STURGEON’S VISIT TO MOSQUE FOLLOWS HER WISHING MUSLIMS ‘HAPPY RAMADAN’
Images of Scotland’s First Minister have come out following Sturgeon wishing Muslims a “very happy Ramadan”.
Sturgeon wished a happy Ramadan to those participating, and recognised the challenges facing the Muslim community with Covid restrictions forcing a change of traditional practises.
“Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and it is a time which is traditionally observed through fasting, prayer and contemplation, and spending time with friends and family,” she said.
“I recognise though that this year’s Ramadan will be exceptionally difficult for so many of you.”
“Even though many of you will not be able to gather in your local mosque as you would normally, I hope the relaxations on communal worship can provide at least some comfort to you.”
NICOLA STURGEON VISITS THE GLASGOW CENTRAL MOSQUE
ITIKAAF
The Muslim Council of Britain has released the top tips for Itikaaf, -traditionally a period staying at the mosque but this year MCB advices to be practiced at home.
COVID JABS FINE DURING RAMADAN – HEALTH CHIEF
A health boss has confirmed that Muslims can have a Covid-19 jab during Ramadan without breaking their fast.
David Regan, Manchester’s director of Public Health, said: “The vaccine will not invalidate the fast and I would urge anyone who is contacted about their first or second jab during Ramadan to keep their appointment.”
He also told Manchester Evening News: “We have a large population of Muslim residents in Manchester and it’s important that the work we are doing supports them, particularly during Ramadan.
“The Muslim Council of Great Britain and the British Islamic Medical Association has produced a wealth of information to ensure that worshippers in Manchester can make the right decision over the vaccine.”
SOCIALLY-DISTANCED PRAYERS
Muslim devotees gathered at a mosque in Srinagar, India, yesterday, while maintaining social distancing protocols, to offer their prayers on the first day of Ramadan.
ASDA WILL DONATE £100,000 TO FARESHARE DURING RAMADAN
Supermarket chain Asda will reportedly donate £100,000 to food redistribution charity FareShare to support Muslim charities and communities groups across the UK during Ramadan.
The partnership is in the aim to give hundreds of vulnerable families access to food, which may otherwise have gone to waste.
The food would be distributed to the 11,000 charities and community groups FareShare supports, the company said in a statement.
Jo Warner, Asda’s senior director of community said: “Through our work with FareShare, we’re supporting vulnerable families and providing meals to those most in need. Food is to be shared and enjoyed and is often a central part of bringing communities together, especially during important religious festivals such as Ramadan".
WHEN WAS FASTING INTRODUCED DURING RAMADAN?
According to the Koran Prophet Muhammad, Islam is built upon five pillars – fasting was one of them in the 7th century.
Today, millions of people all over the world choose to abstain from eating or drinking between dawn and sundown during Ramadan.
Fasting will begin at sunrise after suhur and then finish at sunset with iftar.
If a fast is broken, it will need to be compensated for by fasting at a later date.
Or they can pay “fidyah”, a religious term for donation of food or money.
NO FOOD OR DRINK MORNING TILL NIGHT
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from any food or drink – including water – from morning to night.
The month-long practice is aimed at heightening remembrance of God, curbing unhealthy habits and deepening gratitude.
Credit: EPA WHAT IS EID?
Those participating in Ramadan end the month with a a celebration called Eid al-Fitr.
Many Muslims attend Eid prayers at the mosque, before enjoying a large meal with friends and family.
It was also very common for believers to exchange money and gifts with one another.
This year, Eid will fall on May 12 - or for some, May 13.
Celebrations will still be affected by lockdown restrictions.
MUSLIMS IN LIMA PERFORMING FIRST TARAWIH PRAYER YESTERDAY
Muslims in Lima perform the first Tarawih prayer on the first day of holy Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.
The prayers took place at the mosque of the Islamic Association of Peru in the Magdalena district in Lima.
WHY IS FASTING IMPORTANT?
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, so all adult Muslims are expected to fast.
It is thought abstaining from these activities will lead to greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are obliged to abstain from eating or drinking during daylight hours.
If a fast is broken, it will need to be compensated for by fasting at a later date.
Or they can pay “fidyah”, a religious term for donation of food or money.
WHO IS EXEMPT FROM FASTING DURING RAMADAN?
You are exempt from fasting if you are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Menstruating
- Diabetic
- Very ill
- Travelling long distances
‘DON’T DELAY’ TESTING FOR COVID OR HAVING JAB DESPITE RAMADAN – IMAM
Those taking part in Ramadan have been urged to continue going for coronvirus testing.
Ustadh Nasar Ishfaq, Imam at the British Muslim Heritage Centre said: “Please do not delay taking your Covid vaccine during the days of Ramadan if you’re invited to do so,” reports Manchester Evening News.
The Imam added: “Taking the vaccine does not break your fast and neither does getting a test for Covid-19.
“Though of course if you feel unwell then it is permitted to break your fast and to make it up another day.”
COVID JABS FINE DURING RAMADAN – HEALTH CHIEF
A health boss has confirmed that Muslims can have a Covid-19 jab during Ramadan without breaking their fast.
David Regan, Manchester’s director of Public Health, said: “The vaccine will not invalidate the fast and I would urge anyone who is contacted about their first or second jab during Ramadan to keep their appointment.”
He also told Manchester Evening News: “We have a large population of Muslim residents in Manchester and it’s important that the work we are doing supports them, particularly during Ramadan.
“The Muslim Council of Great Britain and the British Islamic Medical Association has produced a wealth of information to ensure that worshippers in Manchester can make the right decision over the vaccine.”
VACCINATED WEST BANK PALESTINIANS ALLOWED TO PRAY IN AL-AQSA MOSQUE
Israel was allowing 10,000 fully vaccinated Palestinian residents of the West Bank to pray in the al-Aqsa mosque on the first Friday of Ramadan.
The sacred mosque in Jerusalem is open for prayers during Ramadan amid Israel’s rapid vaccination rollout.
“We hope that it will be a good month after the great setback that the whole world was exposed to,” Jerusalem shop owner Reyad Hallaq said.
NEW MOON RESTS OVER NORTHERN TOWN OF BHANNINE, LEBANON
The new moon rests over the northern town of Bhannine, on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The beginning of the new month on the Muslim calendar depends on the sighting of the new moon.
MECCA MARKS START OF RAMADAN
In Mecca, home to the Kaaba – Islam’s most sacred site – Muslims have today performed socially distanced “taraweeh” prayers, marking the start of Ramadan.
Observant Muslims around the world pray toward the Kaaba five times a day.
Only limited numbers of worshippers were being allowed inside the Grand Mosque that houses the Kaaba to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Saudi authorities were only allowing individuals who’ve been vaccinated or recently recovered from the virus to perform taraweeh prayers at the Kaaba.
Credit: AFP NO FOOD OR DRINK MORNING TILL NIGHT
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from any food or drink – including water – from morning to night.
The month-long practice is aimed at heightening remembrance of God, curbing unhealthy habits and deepening gratitude.
Credit: EPA SMALLER PRAYER GROUPS AND SANITISATION STATIONS
Mosques around the UK have updated protocols to accommodate worshippers during a second Ramadan affected by Covid restrictions.
The East London Mosque and Muslim Centre, one of the largest mosques in Europe and the biggest in the UK – accommodating more than 7,000 worshippers on Fridays before the pandemic – is preparing to welcome people back for Ramadan prayers, according to Guardian reports.
Shaykh Abdul Qayum, the mosque's head imam, said they were "blessed" to be able to return.
"“However, we shouldn’t forget that we are still in a pandemic, and as such, the mosque has taken appropriate precautions to ensure that Ramadan in its premises is conducted in a safe way," he said.
The mosque has shortened prayer sessions, worshipping groups would be smaller, and sanitisation stations had been placed throughout the building.
HEALTH MINISTER HIGHLIGHTS JAB ROLLOUT DURING RAMADAN
Health minister Nadhim Zahawi said the Government is supporting the Covid vaccine programme during important religious observances, including Ramadan.
He said: "We are working closely with faith and community leaders to help spread information about vaccines through trusted, familiar voices and in a range of different languages and settings.
"This also means leveraging the influence of celebrity figures such as Sir Lenny Henry, (with his) very powerful and incredibly moving call to action letter and video to black and Afro-Caribbean communities, really important.
"We're also working to support the vaccine programme over important religious observances for example Ramadan [which began April 13].
"We are working with the Muslim community, reiterating the verdict of Islamic scholars and key Muslim figures within the NHS that the vaccine does not break the fast and is permissible, so come and get your vaccine."
NEARLY TWO BILLION MUSLIMS MARKED 1ST DAY OF RAMADAN
Nearly two billion Muslims worldwide were expected to mark the first day of Ramadan on Tuesday, April 13, reports Arab News.
The start was marked after an official sighting of the new crescent moon, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court said.
King Salman said: “The month of Ramadan is upon us and the world is suffering from the coronavirus pandemic.
“We thank God for the scientific efforts in developing vaccines to curb the pandemic.”
NEXT APRIL 13 RAMADAN - 2054
Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year, writes Aljazeera.
It adds: "This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar “Hijri” calendar with months that are 29 to 30 days long.
"The next time Ramadan will start around April 13 will be about 33 years from now, or the year 2054."
'DON'T DELAY' TESTING FOR COVID OR HAVING JAB DESPITE RAMADAN - IMAM
Those taking part in Ramadan have been urged to continue going for coronvirus testing.
Ustadh Nasar Ishfaq, Imam at the British Muslim Heritage Centre said: “Please do not delay taking your Covid vaccine during the days of Ramadan if you’re invited to do so," reports Manchester Evening News.
The Imam added: “Taking the vaccine does not break your fast and neither does getting a test for Covid-19.
“Though of course if you feel unwell then it is permitted to break your fast and to make it up another day.”