Yesterday marked the start of the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. For Muslims worldwide, the month of Ramadan is precious. It is one of the most important dates on the Islamic calendar observed by around 1.8 billion Muslims across the world. The festival begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which usually appears one night after a new moon.
One of the five pillars of Islam - along with faith, prayer, charity, and the pilgrimage - Ramadan commemorates the Quran first being revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, A sacred moment which is honoured by Muslims who observe a month of fasting (known as sawm), a time of year when spiritual, family and community connections are prioritised, and when the practice of taking care of others and working for the collective good, is more vital and more urgent than ever.
Whilst Ramadan is a deeply significant time for Muslims worldwide, it marks an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and make a positive impact. The values of empathy, generosity and compassion resonate all over the globe.
Ramadan is also a time of peace . which is needed now more than ever. May this month bring about lasting peace to all in Gaza and other war ravaged regions of the world.
To all my Muslim brothers and sisters Ramadan Mubarak at this special time of year. I'd also like to reiterate my own steadfast solidarity with the Muslim community, who continue to be dismissed, denigrated and dehumanised. I stand with you, always.
To all the politicians such as Keir Starmer who have enabled and justified Israel’s genocide in Gaza, blocked calls for a ceasefire, I will never forget your empty Ramadan Mubarak messages and total hypocrisy.
To wish someone a Happy Ramadan, the greeting most commonly used is ‘Ramadan Mubarak’. This translates to ‘Blessed Ramadan’. Another commonly used greeting is ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which translates to ‘Generous Ramadan’.
To everyone who’s marking Ramadan I hope this month inspires us to spread peace, love, kindness and unity across the world. May this holy month fill your lives with blessings as full as the stars in the sky and the lessons of solidarity, compassion and mercy be an inspiration to all of us.
