Celebrating Ramadan: Ghazi Droubi
Ghazi Droubi, Principal Lecturer at the School of Engineering, shares what Ramadan means to him.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, and it is a month in which Muslims abstain/fast (usually called 鈥渟iyam鈥�, the Arabic word for fasting). This means abstaining from food, water, and other physical needs, during the day (from dawn to sunset), in order to develop 鈥渢aqwa鈥� (piety/closeness) with Allah. This is a key pillar of Islam and obligatory for all Muslims, except for those who cannot safely fast, such as elderly people, children, travellers, people with illness and pregnant or breast-feeding women.
What does Ramadan mean to you?
Ramadan for me is the month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. It is a time for all Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah (God) and increase their devotion to the Islamic faith. It is a test of patience, self-discipline, and willpower, and is meant to help Muslims develop empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate.
What time during the day do you fast or eat and what are you allowed to eat?
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset each day. This means that they abstain from food, drink (including water), and other physical needs, during daylight hours. The exact timing of the fast varies depending on the location and season, as it is based on the local sunrise and sunset times.
Muslims break their fast at sunset with a meal called iftar, and they may eat and drink freely until the next day's fast begins at dawn. In addition to iftar, Muslims may also eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, which is eaten before the start of the fast each day.
When on campus, where do you go to pray during Ramadan?
The university has arranged for additional prayer facilities during Ramadan and exam period this year. H232 (Ishbel Gordon Building) and N336 (Sir Ian Wood Building) have been assigned for Muslims to perform their daily prayers.
As a community, how can we be more supportive during Ramadan?
By showing empathy, respect, and support, you can help create a more inclusive and welcoming community for Muslim friends and neighbours during Ramadan and throughout the year. Educate yourself about the significance of Ramadan and what it means for Muslims. This can help you better understand and appreciate the experiences of your Muslim friends and neighbours.
Find out more about the Ramadan timetable for prayers, breaking the fast (sunset) and Suhur (the pre-dawn meal), live-stream sermons, Quranic recitation and prayers:
