Engaging in religious practises is an important occupation for many. During the month of ramadan in is vital that we take the time to understand, and respect this important religious practise, undertaken by Muslims. Both for the people we are delivering an occupational therapy servicer for and/or colleges we work beside.
There are five pillars of Islam
- Profession of Faith (shahada). The belief that “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God” is central to Islam. This phrase, written in Arabic, is often prominently featured in architecture and a range of objects, including the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book of divine revelations. One becomes a Muslim by reciting this phrase with conviction.
- Prayer (salat). Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark. Prayer includes a recitation of the opening chapter (sura) of the Qur’an, and is sometimes performed on a small rug or mat used expressly for this purpose .
- Alms (zakat). In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims donate a fixed portion of their income to community members in need. Many rulers and wealthy Muslims build mosques, drinking fountains, hospitals, schools, and other institutions both as a religious duty and to secure the blessings associated with charity.
- Fasting (sawm). During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink. Through this temporary deprivation, they renew their awareness of and gratitude for everything God has provided in their lives—including the Qur’an, which was first revealed during this month. During Ramadan they share the hunger and thirst of the needy as a reminder of the religious duty to help those less fortunate.
- Pilgrimage (hajj). Every Muslim whose health and finances permit it must make at least one visit to the holy city of Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia.
There is no set date for Ramadan; it is observed when the moon for the 9th lunar month is sighted and lasts continually throughout the month. Due to the lunar calendar’s origin, the Islamic lunar calendar is shifted every year by 10-11 days. This year Ramadan is expected to commence 23rd March* (*Subject to the sighting of the moon)
The fast lasts between dawn and sunset each day and includes complete abstinence from both food and drink, for all healthy adult Muslims (who are otherwise not exempt) on reaching puberty.
There are also other activities that should be avoided during the month of Ramadan. Such as gossiping, cursing, lying, arguing, sexual contact. Ramadan is a time to improve your understanding of Islam, a time to recite the Quran and perform Salah (Namaz) during prayer times. Its also expected that you donated
Exemptions to fasting include
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Women during their menstruation.
- Those who are travelling
- Those who are physical and or mentally unwell and/or unable to consent or have capacity to understand.
- Those that have health conditions that mean fasting would impact negatively on their health.
Despite being in the above categories, some prefer not to miss the fasts in view of the special blessings and spiritual benefits during this time. Many Muslim with acute or long term health conditions or disabilities may still choose to fast. It’s important to have the facts; learn how fasting during Ramadan may affect the health of servicer users, and ensure they get the right support that allows engagement in this meaningful occupation.
Question 1 – How knowledgeable do you feel about Ramadan, and what it might mean to delivering occupational therapy?
Question 2 – One of ramadans main practises is fasting during the day, What impact might fasting during daylight have on a persons occupations and routine?
Question 3 – What might you need to consider when working with someone engaging in Ramadan (either as a servicer-user or colleague)
Question 4 – What more can you do to greater understand and respect those who are engaging in Ramadan?
Question 5 – What is your take away from tonights chat? What will you share with others about tonights chat?
References
Avicenna J Med. 2017 Jul-Sep; 7(3): 81–87.Muslim patients in Ramadan: A review for primary care physicians Heba Abolaban1 and Ahmad Al-Moujahed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5525471/
https://www.nhsemployers.org/news/access-guidance-support-your-workforce-during-ramadan-2022
https://islamonline.net/en/about-ramadan-interesting-facts-to-know-about-ramadan/
https://www.england.nhs.uk/blog/our-nhs-people-ramadan-and-covid-19/
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