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Rabat – The Holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on April 2 in the United Kingdom, according to four Muslim organizations.
Muslim Aid and Islamic relief NGOs as well as the London Central Mosque & Islamic Cultural Center and East London Mosque & London Muslim Center have predicted that Ramadan will last from Saturday, April 2 to Sunday, May 1.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan holds a spiritual meaning to Muslims around the globe. The month is marked by daily fasting, prayer, and self-reflection.
Fasting is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam along with the shahada – declaration of faith-, prayer, zakat – obligatory charity-, and hajj – pilgrimage.
Fasting requires worshippers to abstain from eating, drinking, and other bad habits from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghreb). At sunset, Muslims break their fast with festive meals (for).
Ramadan timetable in London
Muslims residing or visiting London during the holy month can follow the Ramadan timetables of the London central mosque or east London mosque.
According to the mosques, the fajr will take place at 4:59 a.m. on April 2 while the Maghreb or breaking fast will be at 7:38 p.m. in central London and at 7:53 p.m. in eastern London.
Muslims residing in other British regions can consult the closest mosque to where they live or digital platforms to find the right prayer schedule.
Important days to mark on your calendar
Laylat al-Qadr, or the commemoration of the Quranic reveal to Prophet Mohammed, is expected to take place on Wednesday, April 27, according to the Muslim Aid NGO.
As for Eid al-Fitr or the festival of breaking fast, it is expected to be on May 2 or May 3.
Muslim families gather over delicious buffets, celebrating the return to normal eating schedule as well as the end of Ramadan.
Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is a charity for the needy to support their Eid al-Fitr celebration. While donations can be made throughout the month, people tend to give money during the last 10 days of Ramadan to multiply their deeds.
Muslim Aid, Islamic Relief, and London mosques accept online donations. These institutions encourage Muslims living in the UK to support their humanitarian projects through Zakat al-Fitr. They accept individual donations starting from a minimum of £5 or £7.
