Ramadan in North London

This Saturday some of our Scouts from 21st Holborn observed Iftar, ending their daily fast together, at Iftar Under The Stars at Gilwell Park. This event is organised by the Muslim Scout Fellowship – you can find out more about the amazing work they do here. We asked one of our Scouts to tell us more about Ramadan, and how some of our Muslim Scouts have been celebrating it.

By Youmna (Scout), 21st Holborn Scout Group

Ramadan is a special month for Muslims all over the world. It is a time to improve our relationship with Allah (God). Fasting goes far beyond refraining from eating and drinking. It is also about self-discipline and closeness to Allah. What makes Ramadan so unique and why do Muslims treasure this month?

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time where Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise until sunset. During this month, many perform extra voluntary prayers, read more Qur’an, give more charity and devote themselves into having total self-control to do what is right and to avoid doing what is wrong. Ramadan helps us rein in our desires. We also practice increased restraint over our tongues, whether it is refraining from bad language or avoiding backbiting. We also have to be careful what we see and hear. When we are able to control our desire, this leads to our being able to connect more closely with Allah Almighty.

How do we prepare for Ramadan?

Preparations begin during another month prior to Ramadan called Sha’ban. As this holy month draws nearer, we say a very special supplication: ‘Allahumma Balighna Ramadan‘. This means ‘Oh Allah, let us reach Ramadan’. This Du’a just shows how Ramadan is beloved to all Muslims as we ask Allah to help us reach this month.

Unique facts about Ramadan

Did you know?

• Fasting is actually a form of worship and the 4th pillar of Islam.
• Ramadan is also known as ‘The Month of the Quran (holy book)’ because the Quran was revealed to the Prophet (peace be on him) during this month.
• Towards the very end of Ramadan, the last ten nights are extra special. Muslims search for a night known as the Laylatul Qadr through extra worship. This is a night of blessings and better than 1000 months.
• We also have more opportunities to connect to the community and to our families when we share iftar (food when we open our fast) and attend congregational prayers together in the mosques.

Time to celebrate

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr (feast of breaking the fast). It is a day of joy and happiness. We attend the mosque or an open field to pray in the morning and spend the rest of the day eating delicious food, exchanging gifts and spending time with our friends and family.

What are we doing at 21st Holborn?

All scouts have been assigned some challenges that connect both Ramadan and Scouting:

• Choose 3 goals to achieve during Ramadan.
• Completing a task of ‘Ramadan with Nature’ every day.
• Invent a Dragon’s Den charity idea and pitch it to your troop leaders.
• Submit a Daily Reminder to your Troop.

We wish everyone peace and blessings throughout this blessed month. Ramadan Mubarak!