Ramadan In Britain
|
|
www.islamonline.net By Halima Columbo My first experience of the blessing of Ramadan happened before I was Muslim. My friend and I were walking in the countryside on the outskirts of Slough when we stopped to ask a postman for directions. He immediately offered us a lift in his van back into town. He explained that it was Ramadan and he was fasting and that this made him think about other people more, and he was concerned that we looked cold and tired. His kindness has formed one of my lasting memories of Ramadan and what it means.Of course the essence of Ramadan is fasting, of trying to draw closer to Allah, of renewing commitment to do good actions and acts of worship that hopefully will continue after the end of the month. It a month for the Qur'an, for prayer, for thinking of others, and for family and friends.In a non-Muslim country like England, it is a private festival, with very little awareness of it outside the Muslim community. Unlike our very commercialized Christmas, which seems to start in November, Ramadan's presence is not in our face every time we turn on the TV or step out the door. A sizeable portion of the UK population is thoroughly sick of Christmas before it even arrives. In contrast, Ramadan is a period of relative restraint. After fasting for 29 or 30 days, you don't even need a party or presents to be happy — it is just good to be able to eat in daylight hours, even though there is a certain sadness that the blessed month of Ramadan is over for yet another year.One big contrast with Christmas is that, at least in this country, Muslims seem to have few customs associated with Ramadan or `Eid. This could cause major problems for the schools of England if we were to convert to Islam en masse. Picture the busy classrooms of England at Christmas time: Kids earnestly shaking glitter onto Christmas tree cards, making advent calendars, painting Christmas puddings, robins, holly, sticking cotton wool on snowmen and Santa Claus's hat, icing biscuits in the shape of crackers. Then the teacher turns to you, anxious to include your child's culture in the scheme of work. "So what do Muslims do then?" The sum Muslim contribution to school art and crafts is typically a black card stuck with gold stars and a silver moon.In a bid to reduce this serious lack of Ramadan-related paraphernalia for Muslim children, without pandering to self-indulgence, Islamic Relief made some Ramadan calendars with a date-shaped window to open each day, and a good deed behind each window. They also produced penny boxes for kids to save money to donate to charity. My children loved both of these ideas (though they would have preferred chocolate behind the windows), and we took full advantage by giving them pennies for helping round the house.Of course, the English Muslims do have their very own pantomime. It takes place in the last couple of days of Ramadan, when Muslims congregate in their mosques and hover by their telephones to find out if they told their bosses the right day to take off work for `Eid. At our local mosque we normally go by the Saudis' date, which is also broadcast on the TV, but of course there are always some groups who disagree, and start and finish at a different time.There is something really special about the time when the whole family gets together for iftar. There is often a cloth spread on the floor, covered with good things, and as the time draws close there is a hushed anticipation, as sakinah (tranquility) seems to descend on the household. Then the announcement is made and it is time to eat a date and drink some cool water. When I first became Muslim, I really appreciated being invited to iftar by a Muslim family, or being given a gift of curry and rice by someone. It means a lot to new Muslims, without relatives to share this special time. Thankfully for us, Muslims are very hospitable people!Now that I have children of my own, I try to create this peaceful feeling for them. Just before we break our fast, we switch on Islam TV so we can wait for the Adhan and feel as if we are participating with the whole community of Muslims. When it is time, we share out slices of fruit, dates, and water. After prayers, we serve the main meal with our favorite dishes and maybe some sweets like baklava, the sweet fudge-like burfis, or chocolate. Favorite foods are the sublime Pakistani-style brown rice that my father-in-law taught me to make, kebabs, stuffed vine leaves, hummus along with Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. However, in the morning, we tend to go traditional English, and have oatmeal porridge for its long-lasting energy release and ability to stave off hunger for as long as possible.Our children became convinced that fasting was some sort of forbidden fun that we adults were selfishly and unreasonably reserving for ourselves. So last year we let them try it too. They soon realized how difficult it is, especially when — as my Muslim relatives point out to their kids — fasting is not just of the stomach but also of the tongue: You are not supposed to fight with your sister when you are doing it!In contrast is the incredulity of my English acquaintances when they find out about fasting. "How can you go all that time without food?" "You'll get ill." "Yeah, but you're allowed to drink though, aren't you?" When I first tried fasting I discovered for myself that, although it was uncomfortable, it certainly wasn't impossible. With time, I adopted a mind-over-matter technique of short-circuiting my thought processes every time I thought of food and turning my mind to other things.Two beneficial occupations for the mind at this time are prayer and recitation of the Qur'an. In Ramadan, people tend to make a special effort to attend prayers at the local mosque. However, this is not something I am able to participate in. Our local mosque, a converted building like many in this country, does not have suitable facilities for women. I used to attend church services regularly, and I would love to be able to take my daughters to prayers in the mosque sometimes. They know more about church services, through school, than they do about prayer time in a mosque. This is why on `Eid, we sometimes travel a long way to a mosque where women can attend, but it is not the same as celebrating in your local community where you know the people.
As Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed, it is customary to try to read the entire Qur'an in this period. I became Muslim because of the Qur'an, I am learning Arabic because of the Qur'an, and I love to read it because, as the following quote says, "The exterior of the Qur'an is elegant and its meaning is deep. Its wonders cannot be enumerated, and its marvels will not cease." Ramadan mubarak, blessed Ramadan, everyone.
|
Back to main page
|
|
A Britain of Lakes, Lochs, Loughs And Tarns
As I travel through Britain on many a hike or climb it can be very hard to not come across a body of water in some shape or form. Why even a National Park, the Lake District is named from bodies of wa (12/11/2012)
|
|
Tourism Ministers to debate barriers to travel
Reducing visa constraints, simplifying entry processes and developing policies that improve connectivity across borders are the topics on the agenda for the worlds Tourism Ministers as they meet (31/10/2012)
|
|
|
|
|
Live like James Bond
To celebrate the release of Skyfall we explore Bond’s Britain. The UK is the home of James Bond and his creator, Ian Fleming, so where better to live like the world-famous spy?
(10/10/2012)
|
|
|
|
|
There's more to London than sport, says Boris Becker
Tennis legend Boris Becker urges Games spectators to make the most of their visit to London, regretting the many times that he played tennis over the years without ever getting chance to properly expl (12/08/2012)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sports tours and museums in London
Football, cricket, rugby, golf: name a sport and there\'s a good chance we Brits invented it, wrote the rules or are just plain obsessed by it. And if playing or watching your favourites isn\'t enough (09/07/2012)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shakespeare: staging the world
During the summer of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games the British Museum is presenting a major exhibition on the world and works of William Shakespeare, supported by BP
(22/04/2012)
|
|
Coasteering and Cliff-diving in Wales
I am coasteering along the Pembrokeshire coastline of West Wales, getting a taste of the country’s wild side. Along with my group of travel partners, our wits and courage are put to the test.
(18/03/2012)
|
|
Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam
The final exhibition in the British Museum’s series on spiritual journeys. This is the first ever major exhibition dedicated to the Hajj; the pilgrimage to Mecca which is central to the Muslim (17/02/2012)
|
|
|
|
Showing 30 news articles Back
To Top
|
UK
The news that published in Islamic Tourism Trade Media
Show year 2012 (30) Show year 2011 (42) Show year 2010 (7) Show year 2009 (13) Show year 2008 (39) Show year 2007 (46) Show year 2006 (37) Show year 2005 (62) Show year 2004 (57) Show year 2003 (11) Show all (344)
The articles
which appeared in Islamic Tourism magazine
Camley Street Nature Park: Wilderness in the heart of London Issue 73 Impressive Middle Eastern stands at World Travel Market Issue 73 Three anniversaries for London’s Mesopotamian story telling group Issue 73 London’s lesser known parks ideal for autumn walks Issue 72 Signs, Symbols Secrets: London’s Science Museum sheds light on alchemy Issue 72 Enduring Middle East: Scottish artist follows in the footsteps of Orientalist painter David Roberts Issue 71 An Interview with Mr. Ben Harper, Director of Sales & Marketing for Go Native Apartments in London Issue 71 Ramadhan in London Issue 71 Leptis Magna fascinates famous war photographer Issue 70 Middle Eastern states showcase heritage at London Book Fair Issue 70 Education, Knowledge, Networking and Entertainment at MPI event, the EMEC Issue 68 World Hajj & Umrah Convention, 11-12 February 2012, British Museum, London–UK Issue 68 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandEnchanting fairground for the festive season Issue 67 Rye: a quaint historic town in East Sussex Issue 67 Arab Spring Countries At World Travel Market Optimistic About Tourism Issue 66 Exciting Horizons From New Exhibitors At WTM Issue 66 London’s Shubbak Festival: Penetrating flash of insight into Arab culture Issue 65 Heracles to Alexander the Great: Treasures from the Royal Capital of Macedon Issue 65 British Museum's Afghan exhibition extended due to popular demand Issue 63 Hadrian’s WallA walk through history in Britain’s idyllic country side Issue 63 British Museum Showcases Omani Jewellery Issue 62 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandBigger And Better Every Year Issue 60 Middle East & North Africa Travel Association (MENATA) launched at World Travel Market Issue 59 Windsor: The Largest Inhabited Castle In The World Issue 59 Aladin's Cave Re-discovered: London's Silver Vaults Issue 59 World Cup Puts Africa Ahead Of The Tourism Game Issue 59 London's Garden MuseumOasis Of Tranquillity In A Majestic Church Building Issue 58 Pitzhanger Gallery & HouseCulture At Its Best In West London Issue 58 British Library Showcases Magnificent Maps Issue 57 Ramadan In London: Muslims And Non Muslims Celebrate Spirituality And Diversity Issue 56 West WycombeOverground Walks, Underground Caves Issue 56 Dickens HouseInsight Into The Life Of A Great Novelist Issue 56 Holland ParkEntertainment In Tranquil Surroundings Issue 56 Chatham and Gillingham: Britain›s Historic Ports Issue 55 London International Fine Art Fair: Beauty & Elegance Issue 55 Ashridge EstateFocal Point of Walks in the Chilterns Countryside Issue 54 Fortnum & Mason Showcases British Crafts Issue 54 Wales offers middle east travellers family fun adventures Issue 54 London Canal MuseumThe Capital's Waterways Then And Now Issue 53 London EyeA Bird's Eye View Of An Amazing City Issue 53 British Museum Showcases Muslim World's Extraordinary Legacy Issue 52 Historic Baths Draw Visitors To English Country Town Issue 51 First Nations Contribution To Winter Olympics Showcased By Canadian High Commission in London Issue 51 British Museum Introduces Native North American Indian Rituals Issue 51 Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland: an ideal day out for the family Issue 50 Chasing MirrorsLondons Arabs Exhibit Work At National Portrait Gallery Issue 50 Stratford-upon-Avon thrives on Shakespeare's legacy Issue 49 MoctezumaMyth Comes To Life In British Museum's Aztec Exhibition Issue 49 Magic of Arab calligraphy attracts students from four continents Issue 49 Hampton CourtA great day out at a wonderful palace with magnificent gardens Issue 48 AfricaTremendous potential for the development of tourism Issue 48 Impressive middle eastern stands at world travel market Issue 48 SouthallLondon's Little India Issue 47 Warwick CastleBringing the past to life Issue 46 London University Showcases Work of Kazakh Craftswomen Issue 46 Southend-on-Sealegendary pier, impressive fair grounds Issue 46 AveburyA mysterious present from the past Issue 45 Britain’s Premier Holiday Location Now Easier to See Issue 44 HampsteadLanes, Alleyways, Historic Houses, Quaint Boutiques Issue 44 StonehengeMagnificent, Magical And Mysterious Issue 44 ZipangMesopotamian story-tellers bring ancient tales to life in London Issue 44 Arabic Translation of Obama's biography announced at London book fair Issue 42 British & Ireland Issue 41 Leigh-on-Sea (UK)An Upper Class Fishing Village Where Heritage Is Everything Issue 38 The Lure of the EastBritish Orientalist Painting Issue 36 The New ForestAn Experience Of Peaceful English Life Issue 35 Adventure Travel ShowIntroducing Challenging Destinations Issue 34 HastingsThe 1066 Country Issue 33 African States Eager To Promote Islamic Sites Issue 33 China`s Terracotta Army Exhibitionat the British Museum Issue 32 Luxury Travel Fair Issue 31 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 SacredThe British Library’s Visual Feast Of Holy Texts Issue 30 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 BTTFBritish travel trade fair - 2007 Issue 29 AdvertArabian Travel Market 2007 Issue 28 DestinationsExcellent introduction to unique attractions Issue 28 SouthamptonHistory Comes Alive In The Old Town Issue 27 WTM 2006Emphasis on the link between sport and tourism Issue 27 Spain Lives In PueblaMexico’s City Of Angels Issue 27 HerefordRural England At Its Best Issue 26 Ramadan In BritainSpiritual Havens In A Secular Society Issue 26 Buckingham PalaceWhere the Queen lives and works Issue 25 British Travel Awards 2006Who are the best companies in the travel industry? Issue 25 Activities of the arab tourism organisation Issue 24 AdvertIslam Expo Issue 24 1001 InventionsEnlightened Tribute To Muslim Discoveries Issue 23 Britain Hosts Festival of Muslim Cultures Issue 22 London's International Travel ShowsAttract Muslim Countries Issue 22 World Travel MarketArab and Muslim presence grows from strength to strength Issue 21 GreenwichWhere time began Issue 20 Forgotten EmpireThe british museum in london is hosting a magnificent ... Issue 20 AdvertIT Noor Issue 20 TrafalgarThe decisive battle reinvented by tourism Issue 18 DestinationsNewcomers set up impressive stands Issue 17 CardiffFrom the Industrial Revolution to Yemeni Mosques Issue 17 The Muslim WorldAn ideal adventure travel destination Issue 16 HajThe most sacred journey on earth Issue 15 World Travel MarketArabs optimistic despite Middle East's negative image Issue 15 The Muslims in LondonStriving for self-sufficiency without isolation Issue 14 Britain embracedIslamic culture before immigrants arrived Issue 13 Awards to Islamic TourismInspire confidence Issue 13 The Rise of Islamic TourismInternational conference discusses effect of 9/11 ... Issue 13 British Travel Trade FairBosses predict 'best-ever' ... Issue 11 Nine eleven sep asideMuslim countries are popular with tourists Issue 10 The arab and muslim worldsTremendous potential for the development … Issue 10 The ThamesLondon's lifeline, England's pride Issue 8 EdinburghThe Muslim community of Edinburgh and their central mosque Issue 6 WTMWorld Travel Market - London Issue 5 LondonWorld Travel Market 2001 Issue 2 |
|