Ramadan 2020

We are very aware here at the Students' Union, that Ramadan will be very different this year. We wanted to make sure our Muslim students feel supported during this holy month, we have therefore pulled together some resources in partnership with the University Chaplaincy that we hope will be of use.

We, the Sabbatical Team, would like to wish our students a very Happy Ramadan and Eid Mubarak.  With the essential element of family and community missing, we hope that despite the restrictions of going outside, we can use this time to reflect deep within ourselves and look out for one another in this truly challenging time.With the understanding as to how difficult it is to fast while taking your assessments, with the anxiety of the health climate, we would like to take the opportunity that as a Students Union we stand in solidarity and support with you and hope you reach out to our support services and the university's wellbeing if you are struggling. We wish you a month of blessings and happiness during your fastings!
- Rama Hilouneh, Students' Union Vice President (Education & Democracy) on behalf of the Sabbatical Officer Team

Ramadan 2020 at the University by Dr Amra Bone

Ramadan Resources:

Islamic Society and Ahlul Bayt Society

Don't forget to reach out to your fellow society members if you are part of a society. It's important to share experiences and resources and promote conversation during the current situation to get through it collectively.

Islamic Society:

• Society Page
• Facebook Page

Ahul Bayt Society:

• Society Page
• Facebook Page

University Chaplaincy

The University Chaplaincy is still reaching out to students as much as possible and can provide digital support and updates through their Facebook page and by emailing chaplains@port.ac.uk

Dr Amra Bone is our University’s Islamic Chaplain and is available via email to discuss any issues students may be having and share her expertise.

Reaping the Benefits of Ramadan Webinar

Portsmouth Ramadan Calendar 2020

Islamic Finder provides a timetable for Sehar & Iftar times for this years Ramadan.

Muslim Council Of Britain Resources

The Muslim Council of Britain have published a helpful document for supporting you through Ramadan and COVID-19. It has a specific section on studying as well and it's presented well and touches on all elements of Ramadan and links out to other great support materials that may be of use. They also have a Facebook page that provides you will lots of relevant information.

Online Events

Eventbrite have a plethora of digital events going ahead that you can register for and attend from home. The majority of these are free for all to access.

The Blessed Hub

The Blessed Hub is an online resource hub with a whole wealth of easily accessible digital materials. It has audio and video sources, ebooks, apps and all sorts of guidance, support and links for support.

Ramadan Planner

Here is a really useful Ramadan Planner which includes daily checklists and verses.

Zakt Calculator

Working out how much Zakat to give can be a confusing task. This easy to use calculator will tell you exactly how much you need to give based on how much you own.

Covid 19 : Human Interdependence

Covid 19 : Human Interdependence Dr Amra Bone

In the name of God, the most merciful and the most compassionate ….

Assalaama Alaikum (Peace be upon you all)

It is during the time of crisis we are reminded of our fragility as human beings, a virus, Covid 19, so minuscule that can cause such havoc in our lives and indeed around the whole world.

God and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remind us of these human frailties during the periods of calamities and gives good news to those who are patient and humble and share their blessings and gives warnings to those who hoard, stockpile and raise prices. It is our attitude and behaviour that can determine our outcome not only in this world but also in the life hereafter.

More than ever now, through our technology, we see more clearly our interdependence, it does not matter what colour our skin is or where we live, it is our behaviour which can either help others or put their lives in danger.

Keep up social distancing!!!

Eid al-Fitr:

A word form the Sabbatical Officers

Happy Eid al- Fitr to all our Muslim community at Portsmouth! With a month of fasting coming to an end, we hope your Eid is full of rest, time spent with family, and celebrations of your hard work in the previous month! We understand that fasting during the holy month as a student who is undertaking revision for exams/preparing for assignments is particularly difficult. At the Students Union, I want to recognise this incredible commitment you all have made, and as always, we are here to support you through this.

- Rama Hilouneh, Students' Union Vice President (Education & Democracy) on behalf of the Sabbatical Officer Team

From Dr Amra, Islamic Chaplain

EID UL Fitr Celebrations at the University of Portsmouth Dr Amra Bone

In the name of God, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

Assalama Alaikum (peace be upon you)

We celebrated the blessings of Ramadan and now we are celebrating the end of the month of Ramadan with the festival of Eid ul Fitr. It is a celebration marking the end of Ramadan.

During Ramadan we have suffered the pangs of hunger, stayed up during the nights saying extra prayers, spent hours in contemplation and seeking mercy and forgiveness, we have practised patience, gratitude and giving in charity to others. I hope we have also grown in knowledge of ourselves and the world around us. The teachings in the Qur’an guide us to understand ourselves which has hopefully led us to come closer to understanding the ultimate truth, Al-Haq, The Truthful (one of the 99 names of God).

The concept of balance, Al-Mizan, is extremely important in Islam. It was narrated by

`Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said to one of his companions, "O `Abdullah! Have I not been formed that you fast all day and stand in prayer all night?" I said, "Yes, O Allah's Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم "!(He said, "Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and also leave them (the fast) at other times; stand up for the prayer at night and also sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you."
Sahih Al-Bukhari

Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Quran (94:6)

When Ramadan finishes the hardship of fasting comes to an end and we cannot and must not fast on this day of Eid ul Fitr. We should start the day by taking a bath and putting on our finest clothes. It is recommended to eat before attending the special congregational prayers in the morning. We must also give Zakaat ul Fitr before the prayer or preferably a few days earlier. Zaakat ul fitr is money every Muslim family gives on behalf of each member of their family to the poor, so they can also take part in celebrations. The prayers are performed in large open spaces, parks, and fields and in larger community mosques. After prayers we normally visit our extended families and friends. It is a period of intense joy, happiness and exchanging gifts.

With the lock down still in place we will have to somewhat curtail our celebrations this year; we cannot for instance pray in congregation in the fields or in the mosques or visit our families and friends as normal. I know it is tough for many of you who are alone at this time, you may be able to have some contact with your friends while observing social distancing measures inshallah. You may be wondering how to perform the special prayers for Eid in your homes. These prayers have some extra elements according to different schools of thought/law. How the prayer can be performed is explained by the British Board of Scholars and Imams in their latest comprehensive article.

You can find information that relates to your own school of thought here.

I hope that despite the necessary restrictions you have a wonderful time on Eid ul fitr. May God shower his blessings upon you and your families. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on amra.bone@port.ac.uk

How to Celebrate in Lockdown

Virtual Eid Festival

Access via Eventbrite

Hosted by Al Fitrah Academy and Eid Celebration Committee

Inclusive Mosque - Eid Celebration

Access via Eventbrite

Bring family, friends, siblings in life and love and join us for the Eid takbeer, prayers, a special khutbah (sermon) in English by author, activist and academic Leyla Jagiella. As with all IMI events, expect to see women and nonbinary people leading and people of different genders, races, sexualities, and sects praying together. If you have non-Muslim partners and/or family they are welcome to attend.

The Concordia Forum : An evening of entertainment

You can access their livestream on Facebook from 8pm on Sunday

Eid Celebration Recipes

BBC Food have created a collection of recipes that you can give a go for your Eid celebrations.

Support if your studies are affected

If you're studies are being affected due to religious observance or due to the implications of COVID-19, then you may be able to complete an ECF (Extenuating Circumstances Form) to help with any difficulties that have had a negative impact on you being able to complete or submit an assessment on time. The Union's Advice Service is still operating digitally for students to offer you support with this process and to discuss if it is a suitable route for you to take. You can request a digital/phone appointment with an Advisor on the Advice webpage.