Ramadan Mubarak

25 February 2025

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims all around the world, including patients, families and staff at Sheffield Children’s.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar and is one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. It also marks the first revelation of the holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The annual observance of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

When is Ramadan in 2025?

Ramadan is a month long religious observance. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday 28 February, and will likely end on the evening of Sunday 30 March.

Facilities available at Sheffield Children’s

A Muslim prayer room with ablution facilities is open for use 24 hours a day.

This can be found on D floor, via the Blue Lift.

Our chaplains are members of staff who can provide pastoral, spiritual and religious support for patients, parents or carers. Chaplains can either provide this support themselves or help you get in touch with someone of your own faith.

The Chaplaincy team at Sheffield Children’s can be contacted on 0114 271 7338

For patients staying on our acute wards, freezers full of sustainably sourced frozen meals are available at all times. These have been provided by Food Works. Unfortunately the meat options cannot be guaranteed to be halal. However, all vegetarian and vegan meals are appropriate for a halal diet.

We’re also making sure colleagues are supported when working with us. As well as Lunch and Learn sessions for colleagues across Sheffield Children’s to further educate staff about Ramadan, all managers have been given advice on how best to support colleagues observing Ramadan.

Glossary

Ramadan

This refers to the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar where Muslims are expected to fast from dawn until sunset for one month if able to do so.

Eid Al Fitr

The festival for Muslims at the end of the month of Ramadan and is the first day of the following month of the Islamic calendar.

Suhur

The meal taken just before dawn (before the Fajr prayer start time), which marks the beginning of the fast.

Iftar

The meal eaten at sunset (start of Magrib prayer) to open the fast.

Tarawih

A night prayer (after the Isha prayer) which is prayed every night during the month of Ramadan. The prayers are lengthier with the Quran recited in them throughout the month.

Itikhaf

An act of worship where a person will stay at a mosque for a certain number of days and nights devoting oneself to worshiping Allah, generally done during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Zakat Al Fitr

A charity given by all Muslims of all ages who can afford to do so before the Eid prayer is offered.

Taqwa

God consciousness

5 daily prayers (Salah)

Fajr: dawn, before sunrise.
Zuhr: midday, after the sun passes its highest peak.
Asr: the late part of the afternoon.
Maghrib: just after sunset.
Isha: night, after Maghrib time has ended until the time for Fajr sets in.

Fidya

A religious donation to help those in need. It is only paid when someone is unable to fast during Ramadan, and will not be able to make up the fast.

Laylatul-Qadr

The night of power, when Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed. Believed to be in the last 10 days of Ramadan on the odd nights.

Quran

The Holy book for Muslims.

Zakat

One of the five pillars of Islam, where those who are able to should donate 2.5% of one’s wealth each year to benefit the poor. Usually Muslims will donate during Ramadan as the rewards are increased during the holy month.

Allah

Arabic for God.