Ramadan (Fasting) Guide for Primary & Secondary Schools

Home , Fasting during Ramadan, Fasting in Islam

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Ramadan (fasting) Guide for Primary & Secondary Schools

About this Guide

The Guide has been produced in order to provide useful information on the area of Ramadan for schools. The Guide can used as a reference by teaching staff in order to aid their planning and preparation during the month of Ramadan.

The desired result is to empower staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to improve muslim pupil‟s readiness for learning.

As this is a „live document‟ any suggestions and ideas are welcome in order to continually improve the information contained herein.

Thank You.

Discover Islam Europe 7 Bridges Place, Parsons Green SW64hw 0207 471 8275 www.discoverislam.co.uk

Contents

What is Islam & Why do Muslims Fast? ...... 4

Fasting in Islam ...... 5

Ramadan Facts ...... 5

What invalidates a Fast...... 7

What does NOT invalidate a Fast? ...... 7

How should fasting Impact People ...... 7

Suggestions from Pupil: ...... 8

School – Strategies for Improving Behaviour ...... 8

Primary School Pupils ...... 9

Secondary School Pupils ...... 10

Key Point - Morally enthusiastic ...... 10

Suggestions from Pupil: ...... 11

Other Considerations ...... 11

SPORTS DAYS ADVICE: ...... 11

EXAMS advice: ...... 11

MEDICATION ...... 11

Day of Celebration / Festival for Muslims ...... 12

Quranic verses for Fasting ...... 12

Narrations from Prophet Muhammad about Fasting ...... 13

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ...... 14

What is Islam & Why do Muslims Fast?

The word Islam means voluntary “Submission” or “Surrender” to the Will of God. It derives from the root word “salam,” meaning peace.

Muslims believe in 1 GOD, in Arabic known as „Allah‟. Muslims believe, Allah is the creator of everything and has created mankind to worship him in this world by following his commands. This will bring benefit to the individual, community around & the society.

Muslims believe, Allah sent special people to this world to pass on his Message of Peace. They are known as Prophets, some of them being Prophet Adam, Noah, Jacob, Jonah, John the Baptist, Abraham, Ishmail, Moses, Jesus & Muhammad Peace be upon them all. Muslims consider Muhammad to be the last & final Prophet & believe Quran – Holy Book, was revealed on him as the final book of guidance.

Like Bible (Holy Book for Christians) & Torah (holy Book for Jews), Muslims also have a Holy Book called Quran. They refer to Quran for all the guidelines & refer to the Practises of Prophet Muhammad for detailed implementation.

In the Quran, God defines that the only purpose for which He created mankind is to Worship Him. Islam recognizes that humankind has free choice in whether to obey or disobey God, but ultimately we will be held accountable to God in the next life for the choices that we make in this life.

There are 5 main Pillars / principles of Islam & 6 Pillars of Belief. They are

1.Belief in Allah (GOD) 2.Prayer (Muslims pray 5 times a day) 3.Charity (Muslims have to give 2.5% of their savings to poor ONCE a year after covering all of the expenses) 4.Fasting (Muslims fast for 29/30 days in a year from Dawn – Sunset in the month of Ramadan (10th Islamic month for Muslims) 5.Pilgrimage (Muslims visit The Sacred Mosque, Masjid ul Haram in Makkah to perform the Pilgrimage once in their life time.

Fasting in Islam

Oh You who believe! Fasting has been prescribed to you at is was prescribed to those (Nations) before you so that you may Attain GOD Consciousness. Quran | Chapter 2 Verse 183

The English translation of the meaning of the above verse from the Quran highlights the following main points:

• Fasting is made obligatory for the believers in Islam. • Fasting was prescribed to the nations of the previous prophets e.g. Abraham, David, Moses, Jesus etc (PBUT). • The objective of fasting is to become more God Conscious i.e. more conscious of the fact that God is watching everything we do and will judge with His complete knowledge and wisdom. • Hence the objective is to become a more caring person in relation to ones responsibilities to one‟s self, God and all other creation.

The result of a month of fasting should be that a person should be more mindful of what he/she does and how he/she uses his/her time on this earth. Again, this is in relation to ones self, God and the rest of creation.

Ramadan Facts

• Fourth Pillar of Islam (5 Pillars: Testimony, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage). • 9th Month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. • An act of worship of spiritual, moral and social significance. • Obligatory for males and females to fast once they attain puberty. • Fasting: Refraining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations between dawn & sunset. • Exemptions: Illness, traveller, menstruation. (Fasts missed need to made up at a later date.) • Ramadan begins 10 or 11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar; hence it takes Ramadan about 33 years to move through the seasons from Jan to Dec. • A good deed is increased in reward manifold during this month.

A Typical Day for a Fasting Person

On the day of Fasting, a Muslim would wake up in the morning & have breakfast before the sun rises; its known is Pre-Dawn Meal (Suhoor in Arabic). Fast would last from Dawn to Sunset & an able person will not eat or drink anything during that time. Below is a general time line for a fasting person

ACTIVITY APPROX DETAIL AND PURPOSE DURATION

Pre dawn meal 15 - 20 min To nourish the body to be able to fast. (Suhoor) Morning Prayer 10 - 15 min (Fajr) Sleep until morning 4 - 5

Afternoon Nap (if possible) 30 - 45 min To rest the body and follow the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a means of reward.

Afternoon Prayer 10 - 15 min (Asar)

Break Fast at Sunset 5 - 10 min Small meal usually consisting of dates, (Iftar) water and fruit. Time to pray for acceptance of fasting and thank God for the food and drink. Sunset Prayer 10 - 15 min (Maghrib) Evening Meal

Night prayer (Isha) 10 - 15 min In addition to the night (isha) prayer there andrecommended extra 45 - 60 min areextra prayers (taraweeh) in Ramadan in taraweeh prayer at thewhich entire Quran is recited during the mosque.the Themonth. purpose of this is to benefit from the codedivine of conduct in order to attain peace in lifethis and the hereafter.

What invalidates a Fast

• Intentional eating, drinking or sexual intercourse. • Self induced vomiting. • If a female starts her menstruation while fasting. • Injections that provide nourishment.

What does NOT invalidate a Fast?

• Unintentional eating or drinking. • Using an inhaler for health purposes e.g. asthma. • A little bit of bleeding from a minor accident. • Giving a bit of blood for testing. (Not a large amount). • Using eye drops. or applying kohl to the eyes. • Tasting food while cooking, out of necessity but it should not go beyond the throat. (Not eating, but simply checking for taste). • Swallowing your own saliva.

How should fasting Impact People

oFocus on additional acts of worship and God-consciousness. oImprove themselves in their dealing with others, including their character, respect for others, kindness, and forgiveness. oAvoid all types of unhelpful comments and bad language and poor behaviour. oAvoid all types of backbiting, name calling or low level bullying. oMake use of their spare time during break and lunch to pray, recite Quran, reflect etc. oBecome more charitable and generous. oTrain themselves to become more self aware and increase their self-control. oDevelop empathy with the poor, donating to charity and sharing food when opening fast. o Develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects and sense of community.

oTeaches self awareness and self control. oBuilds empathy with the less fortunate sections of society. oDetoxes the body and gives the major organs a rest. oPromotes greater mental clarity, focus and inner resolve. oLeads to a feeling of lightness and increased energy levels. oPromotes inner calm and enhances spiritual connection. oBreaks from „routine‟ in eating and emotional patterns.

School - Strategies for Improving Learning • Have the Guide available for easy reference so you can easily look up something you need. • Be familiar with the facts about Ramadan. • Share what you have learnt with pupils, so they know that you know. • Encourage pupils to remain focused and work hard as Ramadan oﬀers more reward. • Link pupil learning to this period of increased self awareness and self improvement.

Suggestions from Pupil:

• Make the work a bit easier and less stressful. • Encourage us to try our best and work as hard as possible because it will be all worth it in the end; the pros outweigh the cons.

• Go a bit easier on us; e.g if you are someone who answers a lot of questions, then try not to pick on them as much, but do not be too lenient that they begin to mess about.

• More interactive lessons, so they are not boring. So you are doing something at all times. So the lessons go quite quick.

• Make it a relaxed lesson, but not too relaxed, otherwise you might get in trouble for not participating in the class work.

• Do not talk about food. Do not have activities that involve a lot of running around such as football and basket ball.

School – Strategies for Improving Behaviour

• Postpone tests for students to reduce stress during Ramadan. • Remind pupils of the objective of fasting: self improvement and best behaviour. • Use a Pupil Checklist (Appendix) to help pupils focus on and take control of their behaviour.

Primary School Pupils

As fasting is a responsibility as well as an obligation in Islam, it is important that pupils are supported while continuing with normal school life especially those in Primary School. Because fasting for primary age children is best done under parental supervision and out of school hours, it is imperative that teachers and staff are made aware of fasting children in order to safeguard them against health risks. Although schools may wish to make suitable arrangements to support pupils, it is equally important that pupils realise that Ramadan is not an opportunity to try to gain special individual rights within the school.

It is a common practice for Muslim children to begin fasting before they attain puberty, in order to become progressively accustomed to the obligation. Although fasting for the entire month does not become obligatory until the age of puberty, most children aged 10 and 11 (years 5 & 6) are likely to fast the entire month. Children who are very enthusiastic may be encouraged by their parents to fast only on certain days of the week, especially the weekends. It is also important to be aware that young children are more likely to fast when Ramadan falls in the winter months, when the days are shorter and the climate is cooler.

The younger the children, the more difficult it tends to be for them to fast without their physical stamina and concentration levels being affected. All staff need to be aware of some of the effects of prolonged dawn to dusk fasting which include sleepiness, mood swings and headaches. This is more prominent in very young children therefore; it is recommended that schools liaise with parents to encourage them to fast half days or to avoid fasting during school days. Whether a pupil decides to fast or not is a matter to be decided between the parent and child.

Breaking the fast before the correct time may be regarded as being worse than not fasting at all by some pupils and parents. Schools should not encourage children to break their fast early unless it is for health and safety reasons. The overriding consideration should be that the children do not feel disadvantaged in school activities because of their religious observance. On the other hand, if a fasting child exhibits health concerns, the school has an overriding safeguarding duty of taking action to enable the child have the best outcome, as governed by DfSE’s statutory guidance. Schools are encouraged to have a closer and more direct link with parents so that they can express their concerns as they arise and share responsibility of choices. New and supply staff may need to be made aware of the importance of Ramadan and the school's responsibilities.

Secondary School Pupils

As this year‟s GCSE/A Level examinations falls during the month of Ramadhan, secondary schools may need to anticipate in advance in order to prepare the pupils in achieving their best. Fasting is obligatory for Muslim pupils in secondary school and the only dispensation are those who are ill or girls who may be menstruating. Families will normally make their own decision on such issues affecting their children. Schools would normally acknowledge the moral and spiritual values associated with fasting and the positive benefits that this has on their students. However, having to take examinations on top of long hours of fasting over the summer period will be a challenge for students.

A sensitive approach may be required while asking Secondary school pupils whether they are fasting or not as it may be embarrassing especially for female pupils in their periods. Schools may however need to know which pupils are fasting or not through liaising with parents and carers in order to offer guidance on the best way to avoid dehydration, eating nutritious food, getting appropriate rest periods, organising revision sessions etc. Since fasting pupils have plenty of spare time during lunch break, schools can support Muslim students by providing a quiet room during break times where they are able to pray, rest or revise between examinations. In addition, fasting pupils can also utilise the long gap between when school terminates and Iftar (breaking of the fast), by having a good rest and balancing it with revision periods.

Key Point - Morally enthusiastic

Each child aiming to fast or not fast tries to do his / her upmost in the month of Ramadan to be good, respectful & enthusiastic. It is also a very good opportunity for the teachers to improve child‟s behaviour by speaking with them in this Holy month, should there be any need as a muslim considers it to be the time for positive change & tries to make an effort to improve. They are morally & religiously enthusiastic to do good & make everyone happy.

In Islam Ramadan (month of fasting) is an opportunity to get cleansed of one‟s short comings & gain closeness to GOD & that motivates each person to do & be good.

Some examples I read in the month of Ramadan, you try to improve your behaviour.... I read you perform many good actions in this month, why not carry on with them..... I read in Ramadan, you are not supposed to get involved in activities that will be harmful to your health..... I can see improvements in your behaviour, is it because you are fasting..... You are supposed to be soft in Ramadan..... You are supposed to use this month to prepare for the next year.....

Suggestions from Pupil:

• Tell them (misbehaving pupils) off, but do not be too harsh. • Remind them to be good because it is Ramadan. • Tell them: There is no point of fasting if you misbehave. Make sure you behave otherwise your fasting will not count as much as it should. • Remind pupils to go to Friday prayer which will remind them of their behaviour and how they should act, especially during Ramadan.

Other Considerations

• PE may want to plan lessons with some less strenuous activities for fasting pupils. SPORTS DAYS ADVICE: Try to hold sports day before Ramadan begins

Have fasting students do 1 activity on sports day

Fasting students should not do the 800m race and preferably not the 400m either

Encourage students to fast intermittently before Ramadan

Encourage students to have a balanced meal at Suhoor (pre dawn)

Encourage parents to support the child if sports day does go ahead

Have shelter for students on hot days & avoid offering water or drinks to fasting students

Students whwo have medical conditions that may effect their health during fasting are exempt from fasting

EXAMS advice: • This may need consideration where possible. It may be better to have the exams take place before or after the month of Ramadan. It is to help the students focus in their studies . • PARENTS EVE Parents may be busy with extra prayer and other religious activities which may make it difficult for them to attend especially if they overlap with opening of fast. MEDICATION Anyone needing regular medication would normally be exempted from fasting No oral medication should be taken during fasting. Medical injections that DO NOT provides body nutrition are permissible. Inhalers e.g. for asthma are also permissible. In an emergency, the wellbeing of the pupil should come first, and medicine should be given if a medical professional deems it necessary.

Routine vaccinations should be scheduled for other times of the year.

• DETENTIONS AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES It is best to be aware of fast opening times, especially during winter months, so as to avoid any situations where pupils are unable to open fast at home. • FOOD TECH: Try to involve the preparation of more traditional meals during Ramadan, to engage pupils and allow them to lead some of the sessions.

Day of Celebration / Festival for Muslims

• Eid ul fitr (festival of breaking the fast) marks the end of Ramadan. • Muslims do not celebrate the end of fasting, rather they thank Allah for the help and strength given to be able to fast and do good. It is also a time to ask Allah for reward and forgiveness.

• Zakat ul fitr (charity) is given prior to Eid(celebration) so it reaches the poor in time for Eid. Approx £5 per person in the household.

• Eid begins with the sighting of the new moon. There is a special congregational prayer after sunrise, in mosques or parks. • Muslims dress in their finest clothes, exchange gifts and visit family and friends.

Quranic verses for Fasting

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous - [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a “ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.

The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

. . . And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset . (QURAN | CHAPTER 2 : VERSE 183 - 187

). . .”

Narrations from Prophet Muhammad about Fasting

“WHOEVER DOES NOT GIVE UP FORGED SPEECH AND EVIL ACTIONS, ALLAH IS NOT IN NEED OF HIS LEAVING FOOD AND DRINK”

“WHOEVER FASTED THE MONTH OF RAMADAN OUT OF SINCERE FAITH AND HOPING FOR A REWARD FROM ALLAH, THEN ALL HIS PAST SINS WILL BE FORGIVEN.”

“WHEN ANY ONE OF YOU GETS UP IN THE MORNING IN THE STATE OF FASTING, HE SHOULD NEITHER USE OBSCENE LANGUAGE NOR DO ANY ACT OF IGNORANCE. AND IF ANYONE SLANDERS HIM OR QUARRELS WITH HIM, HE SHOUDL SAY: “ I AM FASTING. ”

“IF ANYONE FORGETS THAT HE IS FASTING AND EATS OR DRINKS HE SHOULD COMPLETE HIS FAST, FOR IT IS ONLY ALLAH WHO HAS FED HIM AND GIVEN HIM DRINK.”

THE PROPHET (PBUH) WOULD ALSO FAST ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS:

2 DAYS A WEEK: MONDAY AND THURSDAY

3 DAYS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ISLAMIC MONTH I.E. THE 13, 14 & 15 OF THE LUNAR MONTH

THE 9TH & 10TH DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH OF THE ISLAMIC CALENDAR, (MUHARRAM).

FREQUENTLY IN THE MONTH LEADING UP TO RAMADAN

6 DAYS IN THE MONTH FOLLOWING RAMADAN

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

RAMADAN 9th Month of the Islamic

Calendar FAJR Dawn Prayer.

ZUHUR Midday Prayer.

ASR Afternoon Prayer.

MAGHRIB Sunset Prayer.

ISHA Night Prayer.

TARAWEEH Extra recommended congregational prayers during Ramadan after the night prayer with the aim of completing one complete recital of the Quran in the the month (from memory) - Usually takes place at the mosque.

SUHOOR Pre dawn meal taken by the fasting person. IFTAR Literally means „Break Fast‟.

ALLAH Arabic for the One and Only God worthy of exclusive worship. ISLAM Submission to the will of Allah and attaining peace.

MUSLIM The one who submits to the will of Allah.

QURAN Final revelation revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the angel Gabriel. Similar to the Torah or Gospel being revealed to Moses and Jesus respectively.

EID UL FITR Festival which marks the end of Ramadan. ZAKAT UL FITRCharity given before Eid ul Fitr to the poor.

EID UL ADHA Festival which marks the end of the annual pilgrimage (Hajj). Falls approximately two months and ten days after Eid ul Fitr.

ITIKAAF The act of seclusion in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan for worship, reflection and meditation.

LAILATUL QADR (Night of power) is the night in which the Quran was revealed to the lowest heaven. It is one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Worship during this is greater than worship in a1000 months.

PBUH Peace be upon him

 www.discoverislam.co.uk https://www.youtube.com/user/DiscoverIslamUK (for school visits, Mosque Tours & Interfaith Panels)  Jon Ashworth Labour MP for Leicester South and an Opposition Whip “Why I Spent a Day Fasting This Ramadan and What I Learnt” why-i-spent-a-day- fasting_b_1809194.html

 Fasting during Ramadan, CLIP 3053, http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/fasting- during-ramadan/3053.html

.Alex & Yusuf discussing Fasting in Islam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hW3hH9_7pI

 Ramadan Fasts and Sports © Saudi Journal of Sports Medicine http://www.sjosm.org/ temp/SaudiJSportsMed1313-1927784_052117.pdf

 http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1260603

 James E Brown, Michael Mosley and Sarah Aldred, Intermittent fasting: a dietary intervention for prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease? , British Journal of Diabetes & Vascular Disease 2013, http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/ 1260603#ixzz2W0Wa5ryD

 http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthyramadan/Pages/fastingandhealth.aspx

 www.mcb.org.uk