Ramadan at Caswell Clinic
We were recently in the period of Ramadan which ended on the evening of Saturday 23 May. Ramadan involves a daily period of fasting for Muslims starting pre-dawn and finishing at sunset over the month. This means abstaining from food, drink (including water) and smoking. While fasting is an important part of Ramadan, it is also a time of self-reflection and self-evaluation.
One of our patients has been practicing Ramadan this past month and has kindly shared their experience with us:
Have you practiced Ramadan before?
Yes, this is my third time.
What does practicing Ramadan mean to you?
It’s about improving yourself and your manners, getting closer to God, understanding other people’s situations and empathising with those who have less.
Have you found fasting difficult?
Not really, as I prepared a couple of months before Ramadan to make it easier.
Describe your Ramadan routine?
Get up at 1pm
Fast until sunset
Have a meal
Relax after the meal
Pray and read the Quran
Stay up all night until it’s time for pre-dawn prayer (Fajr)
Go to bed
How are you going to celebrate once the Ramadan period is over?
I’m going to say a prayer in the morning and then have a meal.
What have you learned about yourself during this period?
I feel stronger physically, emotionally and spirituality and I’m cursing less than before.