Thread by @areej_abuali

Ramadan is in a week 🕌
A super simple thread for anyone who wants to learn more about it and support their Muslim friends/colleagues who are fasting ⬇️

1. Ramadan happens once a year and lasts around 30 days
2. We follow the lunar calendar which is why it starts earlier each year (shifts by around 11 days)
3. It's a month for spiritual discipline and it helps us feel grateful for what we have

4. We fast from sunrise to sunset and yup: "not even water" (around 16hrs of fasting this year)
5. It's not just about abstaining from food/drink but also about charity and practicing patience and kindness
6. It means a lot to us when you wish us a "Happy Ramadan/Ramadan Mubarak"

7. We don't mind being around people eating/drinking so don't feel the need to apologise
8. Our sleeping hours/caffeine intake changes so we might seem tired. We don't expect to get special treatment while fasting but it would be kinder to check our preference for meeting hours

9. Ramadan is tough during lockdown - this is our second Ramadan during this pandemic and it can feel lonely and isolating as we can't see family/friends and the days feel longer. Do check on your Muslim friends/colleagues during this month

10. No question is a bad question, we love talking about Ramadan and are happy to answer any questions people have. The week before Ramadan is all about getting ready for it. Ramadan Mubarak to everyone 🙌🏽

Thanks for everyone's questions! I'm answering as many as I can to the best of my ability. Here's a few more points based on the most common questions:
11. You can wish people a 'Happy Ramadan' anytime during the month. It's a bit like 'Happy New Year' in January

12. You don't need to give gifts, saying Happy Ramadan is more than enough, but for those of you who wish to, food and dessert make for great gifts (can't go wrong with a box of dates for sure!)

13. We don't fast on the days we're menstruating but we make up the days later in the year
14. For those who are pregnant, it's up to them if they'd like to fast or to make up the days later. It's best to check with one's doctor to ensure it's something that's safe for them to do

15. Those with medical conditions, feeling sick or on medication that can't be adjusted for fasting hours are exempt from fasting. They can participate through charity and helping those in need. They can make up their fast later when they're able to

16. A lot of people specifically asked about Diabetes - there's a great resources on Diabetes UK about Ramadan, you can check it out here
diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabe…

17. There are rules that can be applied if living in a place with no sunset (fasting according to the hours of the nearest town that doesn't have this or fasting according to Mecca hours). It's not something I experienced before but it's always best to check with a local imam

18. A lot of questions coming through about the possibility of fasting in solidarity with friends/colleagues. This isn't expected from you in anyway but if it's something you'd like to try out, then go for it, I personally don't know anyone who'd be offended by this

19. In terms of age, we start fasting when we hit puberty and we tend to practice mini-fasting when we're younger to get ready. As a kid, I found the practice sessions exciting (back then Ramadan was in winter so it was easier for me as well)

20. On losing weight: There's a common misconception that Ramadan leads to weight loss. It highly depends on the food you eat when you break fast. Personally, I gain some weight because I eat lots of sweets. We tend to eat the same amount of food but in a shorter timeframe.

21. On WHY we fast: It's a month for spiritual discipline. It's a reminder for things we should be grateful for, things we tend to take for granted (like food and water). It's a month to build on good habits, to be kind, to be charitable - try to be the best version of ourselves.