This month is Ramadan (2nd of April until 1st of May), a period of fasting and reflection for Muslims all around the world.
Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and it is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Staff, students and members of the wider community are observing the Islamic Holy month to enhance God consciousness, in which Muslims will not eat or drink from dawn until sunset and practice self-discipline, self-control, reflective thinking and gratitude. Ramadan also marks the time in which the Quran was first revealed.
On Wednesday 27th April 2022, members of the BGS community came together at 7:30pm until 8:45pm to celebrate the end of their daily fast, known as ‘Iftar’. Organised by our school community, the event provided an opportunity for staff and students (those who may or may not be observing Ramadan) to partake in the ambience of Ramadan, the prayers, and have the traditional Iftar feast together to gain a greater understanding of the importance of Ramadan.
Students and staff have taken their time to share their thoughts about the teachings behind the holy month and the Iftar event:
Miss Choudhury (Junior School Teaching Assistant) said: “BGS should feel very proud to have hosted a Ramadan Iftar with the attendance of an Imam to say the ‘Islamic Call of Prayer’ (Adhan) just before Iftar time and lead prayers. This is a testament to how the school values different views and beliefs to ensure all students, staff, parents and the wider community feel recognised and feel a strong sense of inclusive practice. Hosting the event allowed many students and staff to experience their very first Iftar, hear the Adhan and observe the prayers. Everyone wore colourful modest clothing and had the opportunity to sit together on one big table, enjoy the many cultural food dishes that students had brought in, and engage in meaningful conversations. There were many inquisitive questions such as; “what does Ramadan mean? Why do you fast? Do you fast the whole day? What is Iftar? Is Iftar a one day celebration? What are the reasons for those who are excused from fasting?”. This demonstrates students and staff had genuine interest to really understand Ramadan and learn about Iftar. I feel it is paramount to promote, embed and inspire inclusive practice to help enhance religious and cultural knowledge, which the BGS community may take out to the wider world outside of BGS and make a positive difference to society.”
Alishba Khalid (Diversity and Inclusion Captain) said: “Ramadan is such an integral part of Islamic tradition and religion, and Iftar is a great example of how muslims come together as a community to break their fast and reflect. Our first ever Iftar event not only gave the Muslim students and staff in our community a chance to connect with each other in a homely sense of belonging and share the rituals, traditions and prayer with one another but also allowed the non Muslim members of the BGS community to experience first hand Iftar at its finest. The open mindedness and enthusiasm shown by all attendees and organisers really showed the spirit of BGS and how we are dedicated to furthering diversity and inclusion for all communities and within all aspects of the school. Next year, we hope to carry on the tradition and make the event even more immersive and diverse so everyone can experience the true atmosphere of Ramadan.”
Mrs Tombs (Deputy Catering Manager) said: “The Iftar celebration at school was an amazing event, such a strong sense of community. It was wonderful to see the traditions that take place when breaking fast. I really enjoyed learning more about the Muslim faith and observing the prayer, I am very much looking forward to the next one.”
Mrs Greenwood (Head Philosophy and Religion) said: “It is always a joy as a teacher to spend time amongst our students outside of the classroom. The Iftar was a particularly special example of this as it was an opportunity for many of our pupils to share a part of their faith and culture with other members of the school community and to celebrate with their friends. The presence of an Imam at the meal, and performing the call to prayer as well as the reciting of Qur'anic scripture also added to the authenticity of the event.”
Flora (Year 6): “It is a nice time for Muslims to reflect and show self-control. I feel it is an important time and I support those fasting”.
Juanita (Year 6): “It was exciting to go to the Iftar event and I got to eat food I never ate before and join in with the prayers. I really liked the Iftar and hope the school can do it again.”
Tess (Year 3): “It is interesting to learn about different cultures. I really wanted to come to the Iftar because I have never been to one before. The prayers were very interesting and the food was delicious”.
Serena (Year 6): “It takes so much mental control as well as physical to fast. It is very difficult to get through this time so it is important that we respect people for that. It was lovely to see people from different cultures come together for Ramadan”.
