A Taste of Faith & A Time to Give: 4th – 5th August
Introduction
The Muslim contribution to A Year of Service will coincide with one of the most special times in the year for Muslims, the month of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Muslims pay special attention to their charity giving and helping others. More effort is made to renew intentions to give more time and money throughout the coming year than in the previous year. Working with the vulnerable and needy is a core part of the Islamic faith and in Ramadan this emphasis is even greater. Living in Britain, Muslims are encouraged to reach out, to build bridges and to work with colleagues and neighbours around them who are not Muslim, to share their faith and build on their shared values. The ‘Iftar‘ meal is a special time of day, as this is when Muslims open their fast and give thanks for the food they are eating.
About the projects
We are encouraging communities to come together during the month of Ramadan and take part in two main activities:
• A Taste of Faith
Encouraging mosques and community centres to open their doors and welcome in guests from their local communities to come and share Iftar with them.
Muslims fast for 30 consecutive days during Ramadan, from dawn until sunset. Iftar is the special meal prepared daily at the end of the day when the fast finishes.
The event can include talks and tours of the mosque or can just simply be an invitation to the Iftar meal at sunset.
Guidelines and more information can be seen on our ‘How To’ guides, which will be uploaded to this website in the coming weeks.
• A Time to Give
Encouraging community groups, Muslim schools, youth groups, family groups, mosques and anyone who feels they want to take part.
We advise working with an existing charity that is already working with the homeless and vulnerable in the local area and this may include homeless shelters, soup kitchens and women’s refuges. In collaboration with local partners, people are encouraged to collect food and toiletries that can be packed in hampers and distributed in the most effective and relevant ways. We especially encourage getting children and young people involved in packing and distributing the goods.
Guidelines and more information can be seen on our ‘How To’ guides, which will be added closer to the time.
About Ramadan
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, spoke often about the benefits and Blessings that are present during Ramadan and it is often mentioned that as an already very generous person, he was even more generous during Ramadan.
“The best charity is that given in Ramadan”
“A man is not a true believer who fills his stomach when he neighbour is hungry” – and of course here the word ‘neighbour’ refers to all people, not just Muslims.
For more information about Ramadan specifically see the BBC weblink and for more information on Islam and Muslims in click here.
Contact person:
Dr Husna Ahmad
020 8211 9430
husna@faithregenuk.org
The partner organisations involved in A Taste of Faith and A Time to Give:
MADE in Europe
Islamic Society of Britain
Muslim Council of Britain
Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board
Islamic Help
Faith Regen Foundation
These events will also be part of the Ramadan Festival.
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Get Involved in Ramadan for project ideas, information and contact details.
Ramadan Gallery Page for pictures.
