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March 15, 2023

Ramadan 2023

Ramadan is a week away, and many celebrators decorate and prepare for the holiday. Read below if you want to find out what Ramadan is, when it's celebrated and why.

Hello all!

The timing of Ramadan changes every year as the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon. Ramadan 2023 begins on Wednesday 22nd March, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca, and ends on Friday 21st April. Ramadan is 30 days long, and in the 9th month of the Muslim calendar.

Sawm – the process of fasting during Ramadan. There are exceptions as to who can part in fasting, but it is expected if you are of good health and sound mind.

In Islam, there’s 5 pillars that represent core practices that Muslims should follow. Sawm is one of those pillars, which is essential to Ramadan. Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam, and is a time for Muslims to work on their spirituality and relationship with Allah. Many Muslims fast during this month, although there are exceptions to those who are allowed to, and it’s a way to feel gratitude for what Allah has provided and to feel compassion for those less fortunate. Ramadan is also a time to avoid negative acts like gossiping and lying, and negative thoughts.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims enjoy two meals. The “Suhoor” which is eaten before the sunrise. It’s a time for families to wake up, eat and prayer before the day. The “Iftar” is eaten after sunset, “Iftar” is when many invite family round or go to the Mosque to break their day’s fast. A tradition closely followed in Islam is the eating dates to break the day’s fast as Prophet Mohammad used to do.

Leicester is known for Leicester City winning the league (yes, we still go on about it) and being one of the most multicultural cities in the UK, along with that, comes a long list of restaurants available to help break your fast and celebrate Iftar. Here’s a small list of restaurants previously recommended to have your Iftar meal – we do recommend that you double check whether these restaurants are Halal before visiting. 

  1. Kobe Sizzles: 64-66 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0QD
  2. Pamson Grill: 8-10 Highfield Street, Leicester, LE2 1AB
  3. Tipu Sultan: 12-16 The Parade, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5BF
  4. Spice Bazzar: 326 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 6EH

~ LGSC

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