Hope High Celebrates Ramadan

Learning About and Celebrating Ramadan

Between Moday 12th April and Wednesday the 12th May -  Hope High pupils learnt about and joined in activities all around the Islamic holy days of Ramadan. Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. It is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims — the Prophet Mohammed reportedly said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained." 

Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, Islam's sacred text, to Mohammed, on a night known as "The Night of Power" (or Laylat al-Qadr in Arabic).

During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. It is meant to be a time of spiritual discipline — of deep contemplation of one's relationship with God, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the Quran

As the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, the lunar cycle, Ramadan falls approximately 10 days earlier each year within the Gregorian calendar. Ramadan follows the sighting of the moon over Mecca. Lasting for 30 days.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars — or duties — of Islam, along with the testimony of faith, prayer, charitable giving, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims are required to take part every year, though there are special dispensations for those who are ill, pregnant or nursing, menstruating, or traveling, and for young children and the elderly.

Celebrating Ramadan