Thought For The Day – Thursday 23rd March 2023
Ramadan and Reflection
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Last evening, Ramadan, the holy month of Islam (a religion which means peace and obedience to Allah) began. Wonderfully, London’s West End has been illuminated in celebration and support.
In Ramadan, Muslims fast (Sawm). This is “better than 1,000 months” states The Qur’an chapter 97, communicating the evening in Ramadan (The Night of Power) which remembers the giving of The Qur’an. Fasting is an act of worship, spiritual discipline, dedication and devotion to God.
As Mrs. Miles has wonderfully discussed this week in very important assemblies, in the month of Ramadan Muslims strive not to eat, or drink, anything in daylight hours. The fast is broken at sunset with a family meal and prayers.
In Ramadan, Muslims remember, and pray, to Allah, to give thanks for the revelation of The Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who practiced Sawm, and to empathize with the poor and vulnerable. Muslims will also read The Holy Qur’an throughout the month. Video clip: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02mwdxf
Muslims fast in Ramadan, for devotion to Allah and for self discipline.
www.bbc.co.uk
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Islam is a faith of peace, love, compassion and understanding. The sick and ill, children, pregnant, breastfeeding and menstruating women and travellers are exempt. Human need, health and wellbeing always comes before rule obedience. Allah is merciful and compassionate.
We send our very best wishes for Ramadan to all our Muslim students and families and to the Muslim communities at our local mosques, in Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow and Cambridge, and to mosques, alongside The Herts and Essex Mosque in Bishop’s Stortford, we as a school have visited over the years, for example in Wimbledon and Peterborough.
Support is very important in Ramadan and thus Sawm was very challenging in the global pandemic.
Importantly also, today is The National Day of Reflection, marking three years since the first restrictions for public health required by the global pandemic. We deeply think of, and pray for, all affected by, and those that cared, looked after and helped during, the global pandemic, particularly those who passed away and the bereaved. The “Remember Me Memorial” at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, for example, pays tribute to those who passed away.
May their light continue to shine.