The cost-of-living crisis has put a significant strain on families during Ramadan, and people in Edinburgh have been struggling.
The food pack distribution is part of a wider initiative by the Embassy of the State of Qatar and Islamic Relief to distribute 2,000 food parcels and 10,500 cooked meals across the UK for the duration of the holy month.
Food is being delivered through 15 of Islamic Relief’s partners such as local organisations, food banks, mosques and football club foundations from London to Edinburgh. Partners include: East London Mosque, Newham community Project, Sufra, City Retreat, Himmah, Luton Foodbank, Association of Scottish Muslim – Blackhall Mosque, Give a gift, Finsbury Park Mosque, and Renaisi.
Photos of the signing of the agreement that took place earlier in March with The Embassy of the State of Qatar and IslamicRelief can be found here
Tufail Hussain, director of Islamic Relief UK stated: “Poverty in the UK has been exacerbated by years of cost-of-living crisis, and families are struggling more than ever to put food on the table. It is imperative more than ever to come together as a community and support one another.
“To alleviate the challenges people have been facing, the Embassy of Qatar and Islamic Relief is working together to reach even more struggling families here in the UK this Ramadan as we have done with the Association of Scottish Muslims at Blackhall Mosque.
“Charity is a major part of the Islamic faith, and Ramadan is the time when we see this huge outpour of support for others. We are proud to be collaborating with the Qatari embassy to help make a difference.”
The charity, Islamic Relief UK, has launched its annual Ramadan food drive for 2024, to help the UK’s vulnerable communities who have been affected by rising poverty levels and the cost-of-living crisis.
The food distribution will take places across the UK, in cities such as London, Birmingham, Leicester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Luton and Nottingham, as the need is widespread. Islamic Relief will be working in collaboration with 18 of its local partners, such as food banks, mosques, football clubs, and local charities.
According to research undertaken by Islamic Relief, and polling company Savanta (1), over half of people in the UK are struggling more with their bills and food prices than they were a year ago, and 30% of Brits are worried about having to use a food bank in the near future. The data points that almost all people in the UK, across all strata of society, have been negatively affected by the cost-of-living crisis and are concerned about the future.
Tufail Hussain, director of Islamic Relief UK, adds: “Poverty in the UK has been exacerbated by years of the cost-of-living crisis, and families are struggling more than ever to put food on the table. It is imperative more than ever to come together as a community and support one another.”
“The research we conducted spells a worrying outlook for the UK, with no community of social group spared from the tough reality of the cost-of-living crisis. But for the already vulnerable, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, the poor, it is catastrophic. Now more than ever we are so grateful for the outpouring of support that allows us to provide food distributions such as this one.”
Locations and dates for the food distributions are as follows:
As British Muslims enter the month of Ramadan, regulators issue advice on giving safely to registered charities
Ramadan is a time of huge generosity among British Muslims, and the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria, as well as the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis, make it especially important that their charitable contributions support good causes through registered charities. Regulators are therefore issuing advice to remind British Muslims to make checks, ensuring their donations reach registered charities.
Most fundraising is genuine, however fraudsters and criminals sometimes take advantage of public generosity at times of increased giving, using methods such as fake appeal websites, email appeals that falsely use the name of genuine charities, or appeals from fake charities.
There have been several reports of fake appeals on social media to help those affected by the disaster in Turkey and Syria. We recommend these simple steps donors can take to make sure their donations reach their intended cause:
Check the charity’s name and registration number on the Charity Register at www.gov.uk/checkcharity – most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be registered.
Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information.
Be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them.
Contact or find out more online about the charity that you’re seeking to donate to or work with to understand how they are spending their funds
Look out for the Fundraising Badge – the logo that says ‘registered with Fundraising Regulator’ – and check the Fundraising Regulator’s Directory of organisations which have committed to fundraise in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice.
A face-to-face collector should have a licence from the relevant Local Authority Licensing team or the Metropolitan Police (in Greater London).
If after making these checks you think that a collection or appeal is not legitimate, report it to Action Fraud over the phone at 0300 123 2040 or online.
Helen Stephenson, CEO of the Charity Commission, said: “British Muslims are immensely generous in their support for good causes, especially during Ramadan. It’s vital that generosity reaches those in desperate need – whether here at home, in Turkey and Syria, or around the world.
“By following a few simple checks, donors can continue giving to registered charities with confidence.”
Gerald Oppenheim, CEO of the Fundraising Regulator said: “The British Muslim community are incredibly generous.
“This generosity enables charities both at home and abroad to undertake crucial work impacting those that need it most. By carrying out a few simple checks you can make sure that you are giving to a genuine cause and that your generously donated money reaches its intended destination.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1636718402864594944
Fadi Itani, CEO of the Muslim Charities Forum said: “Giving to others holds spiritual significance in Islamic teachings, however this good-will can sometimes be taken advantage of.
“It’s vitally important for donors to give smart and give safe in order to have the most benefit to those in need. Donors must check carefully and give to only registered charities that specialise in the cause, are present in afflicted areas, and who offer regulated and secure donation methods.
“This will ensure that funds can have the most impact in changing and saving the lives of others.”
Taking a few practical steps to support Muslim workers during Ramadan will help to create a workplace where everyone is respected and valued, writes TUC’s Riz Hussain.
For the next four weeks, thousands of Muslims across the UK will be fasting during the daytime to mark Ramadan or Ramazan.
Ramadan falls at a different time each year because Islam uses the lunar calendar.
This year, Ramadan will start at the beginning of April and continue for 29 or 30 days from when you begin your fast.
What happens during Ramadan?
It is a time for deep spiritual reflection and collective rituals for Muslims across the UK. It’s a time for Muslims to share food with their families and friends, and celebrate their cultures, heritage and faith.
The fasting day is long. The morning meal will be before dawn and people won’t break their fast until dusk. That’s 13 hours without food or drink (yes that’s right, not even water!). This can be challenging for many Muslims especially whilst at work.
That’s why it’s important to support your Muslim workmates, to stand in solidarity with them and create a team culture where everyone is respected and valued, no matter where they’re from or who they worship.
Practical steps colleagues and employers can take to support their Muslim workmates and friends:
Ask colleagues if they’re observing Ramadan
Don’t be shy about asking Muslim colleagues if they will be observing Ramadan.
Some people may choose not to take part – perhaps for medical reasons – as fasting is a personal choice.
Be considerate
Ramadan should not interfere with everyday tasks at work, but fasting co-workers may be tired or lacking energy during the day.
Usually the first ten days are the hardest. If you have colleagues who will be fasting, ask them if changing some aspects of work can make it easier for them.
Be flexible
Ramadan isn’t only about not eating or drinking during daylight hours.
It usually means rising early and eating late, and may mean taking part in late night prayers at the mosque or their homes. Ramadan is usually a time for deep spiritual reflection, congregational prayers and lots of social dinners with family and friends.
Some workers may ask to change their working day or shift times, to take a shorter lunch break, or to make sure they finish on time so they can break their fast at home.
Being flexible may help people work when they are most productive.
Some workers might have additional religious commitments during Ramadan. It may be especially important to perform prayers on time through the week. Employers can help by ensuring there’s a quiet space in the workplace for prayers and by allowing short breaks.
The last ten days of Ramadan are considered to be especially holy. Some Muslim workers might decide to take time off, or ask to change their working patterns to perform all-night prayers.
The end of the fasting period
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the fasting period. It’s like Christmas for Muslims – the biggest celebration of the year.
There is often some uncertainty about which day Eid will fall because it depends on moon sightings, so be prepared for your Muslim colleagues not to know the exact date.
This may also impact on when they can work and how much notice they can give you, as Eid can last up to three days.
Supporting colleagues during Ramadan is part of building a culture where everyone is respected and valued.
This Ramadan, the TUC would like to wish all Muslim trade union members and everyone who is fasting in the UK: Ramadan Mubarak.
Ramadan is here, but how much do those of other faiths, or none, know about this important religious festival?
Former primary school teacher Catherine Lynch of education resource experts PlanBee takes a closer look at why and how Muslims celebrate Ramadan and considers what the whole family can learn from its customs and rituals
A Pillar of Islam
Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts 29 to 30 days. The Islamic calendar is based on the cycle of the moon so its dates change every year. This year, Ramadan will begin on the evening of Monday 12th April when the new moon first appears in the sky and end on Tuesday 11th May, the night of the waning crescent moon.
No food or drink
During Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat or during the hours of daylight. Children don’t usually fast until they are 14 years old. Some Muslims don’t have to fast, including, pregnant women, elderly people, those who are unwell and people travelling.
Muslims try to spend time with their family during Ramadan. They also try to help people in need, give up bad habits and devote time to prayer. Many Muslims try to read the whole of the Qur’an during Ramadan.
Which meals are eaten during Ramadan?
The meal Muslims have before the sun rises is called Suhoor, meaning ‘of the dawn’. Iftar, meaning ‘break of a fast’ is the evening meal eaten after sunset
What is Qadr Night?
Laylat al-Qadr is the night Muslims believe the Qur’an was sent down from Heaven to the world and revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Laylat al-Qadr is thought to have happened between the 23rd and 27th night of Ramadan.
What happens at the end of Ramadan?
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a big celebration called ‘Eid ul-Fitr’. Muslims dress in their finest clothes, give gifts to children, spend time with their friends and family and give money to charity.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
The Five Pillars of Islam are acts that are important in Muslim life:
The first is Shahadah, the declaration that Allah is the only God.
The is Salat, the five prayers Muslims say every day
The third is Zakat, meaning to be charitable and give to those in need.
The fourth is Sawm, the month-long fast Muslims do during Ramadan.
The is Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Easy Ramadan crafting
Make moon–sighting binoculars with your children
Get two toilet rolls and stick them together to make binoculars.
Decorate the toilet rolls to look like the night sky.
The Prime Minister sends his greetings to all Muslim communities for the holy month of Ramadan, in Britain and around the world:
Full Transcript:
It’s the holy month of Ramadan – a time when mosques open their doors, community centres welcome in their neighbours, and even churches and synagogues offer up their spaces as Muslims break their fasts – and people of all faiths and none are often asked to join.
Coventry Cathedral is holding its own multi-faith iftar. In Manchester, they’re combining an iftar with England’s European Championships appearance. And homeless shelters up and down the country are holding ‘Iftars with the Homeless’.
Of course, fasting is what comes to mind when we think of Ramadan. It’s part of the month that really puts Muslims’ faith to the test – especially during these long, warm days.
But there is much more to it.
There is all the energy and money people donate to those who are less fortunate and all the extra time spent in prayer and contemplation.
Uppermost in all our minds this Ramadan are those whose lives have been torn apart by the twin evils of Assad and Daesh, all those families spending this holy month in refugee camps mourning loved ones; yearning to go back to school or work; wondering when they’ll return home again.
Our thoughts – whatever our backgrounds or beliefs – are with them. And we must continue to support the people of Syria and the region, as we work towards a lasting political solution. Because that’s who we are as a country. We won’t walk on by. So this Ramadan, let’s renew our resolve to help those victims.
Let’s continue to come together for iftars and community events. Let’s celebrate the proud, multi-racial, multi-faith democracy we live in. To everyone in Britain and around the world – Ramadan Mubarak.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond also wishes all Muslims ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, saying:
This Ramadan, I wish all Muslims, in the UK and around the world, ‘Ramadan Mubarak’.
Ramadan is a time for contemplation, reflection and acts of kindness and charity. Most Muslims will spend this Ramadan with their families, but poverty and conflict are keeping people apart. This includes the millions of Syrians who have been displaced and those in refugee camps.
The UK is acting tirelessly for a resolution to the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. We will continue to work for a peaceful, secure world and support all those who need our help. I welcome calls for a nationwide truce in Syria during Ramadan and encourage all those with influence to take this opportunity to end the bloodshed.
Ramadan is a time for contemplation, reflection and acts of kindness and charity. Most Muslims will spend this Ramadan with their families, but poverty and conflict are keeping people apart. This includes the millions of Syrians who have been displaced and those in refugee camps.
The UK is acting tirelessly for a resolution to the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. We will continue to work for a peaceful, secure world and support all those who need our help. I welcome calls for a nationwide truce in Syria during Ramadan and encourage all those with influence to take this opportunity to end the bloodshed.
Prime Minister David Cameron has issued a message to Muslims at the start of the holy month of Ramadan:
I want to send my very best wishes to everyone observing the holy month of Ramadan.
This is an incredibly special time of year for Muslims at home and abroad: a time for charity, for contemplation and community.
Charity is one of the things that Islam is all about. Here in Britain, Muslims are our biggest donors – they give more to charity than any other faith group. We see this spirit of giving all year round, from the mosques running sports clubs for local children to the Muslim groups selling poppies for Remembrance Day, to those people from around the country who put their wellies on, rolled their sleeves up, and went to help the families hit hardest by this winter’s storms.
Ramadan is a time when that spirit comes to the fore and I am so proud when I hear, every year, about the millions of pounds raised for good causes for those less fortunate than us here in Britain, and those who are suffering in wars and in famines overseas.
Ramadan is a time for contemplation to fast, and to pray, and to think deeply about others.
This Ramadan, I hope that we can reflect upon a key aspect of our shared history: the bravery of those who fought and died for our freedoms nearly 100 years ago.
Just days after Eid, we will be marking 100 years since the First World War.
More than a million men and boys from India fought with our troops during that conflict and many thousands of them were Muslims.
They travelled across the world to fight to defend our freedom, guided and sustained by their bravery, comradeship and, above all, by their faith.
Their selflessness and their courage helped to secure the liberties we all enjoy today, so this Ramadan – and this centenary – we will remember them and reflect upon their sacrifice.
Ramadan is a time for community. And there is nothing that exemplifies this more than those nightly iftars when the fast is broken, the dates are opened, and all that great food is served.
Last year I was delighted to see how many community iftars were taking place across the country in mosques and in community centres, in parks and even in tents.
Again this year government is supporting the Big Iftar programme with hundreds more communities, from Leeds to Luton, Woking to Manchester, throwing open their doors so that people of all faiths and none can break bread and get to know their neighbours.
So wherever you are this holy month, I wish you Ramadan Mubarak.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has recorded a video message to mark the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan.
Mr Clegg’s message to the nation’s Muslims:
Salaam alaykum.
As Muslims during Ramadan around the world fast for self-discipline and improvement. Spend time in prayer and contemplation, and come together, united in a spirit of sacrifice, generosity and hope, I know the thoughts of many will turn, again to the suffering of the Syrian people. With thousands of people killed and wounded and millions driven from their homes. The British government is doing what it can to help alleviate this humanitarian crisis: supplying food packages, medical assistance, clean water supplies and other essential relief items to help those people and families in most urgent need of support. And we will continue to push, with our allies, for forces on both sides to come together to agree a peaceful end to this conflict. The values of peace, empathy and charity are an essential part of this holy month of Ramadan. And evident within the invaluable contributions made by British Muslims to support and strengthen local communities across the UK. And this year, I want to praise our Muslim communities for leading in a show of unity and support following the horrors of Woolwich. Their committed voice for peace helps to make Britain the tolerant, open and wonderfully diverse country it is today.
Ramadan Mubarak.
Foreign Secretary William Hague added his ‘warmest wishes’:
“Ramadan is a time for reflection and contemplation, for charity and compassion, and for friends and families to turn their thoughts to those less fortunate. In particular, we must not forget the appalling suffering in Syria, affecting all Syria’s communities. Our thoughts are particularly with Syrian refugees marking Ramadan far from friends and family across the Middle East. The British Government has pledged support of £348million in humanitarian and development aid since the start of the Syria crisis. While humanitarian assistance can bring some relief, it cannot solve the Syrian crisis. That is why the UK Government will continue in our tireless work to see peace, security and stability restored to Syria, and to support all those suffering from poverty, repression and conflict around the globe”.
