Ramadan

Ramadan 2021 is here and Orphans in Need are preparing to provide support to the neediest orphans and widows during this auspicious month. With the assistance of our generous donors in years’ past, we have been able to provide more than eight million meals to those in need. Our nutritious supplies have ensured that families across the world have been able to participate in Iftaar and Suhoor together for the month, without worrying about where their next meal is coming from.

During the 2021 Ramadan, we hope to help more people, families and children in need of our assistance and provide meals to families that would otherwise face starvation. A donation of £30 will feed a family of five for the whole month of Ramadan with nutritious, quality food that has been locally sourced. Orphans in Need are on the ground in 14 countries across Asia and Africa and we thank our donors for their invaluable support which allows us to continue assisting those in need.

Please give generously so we can continue to extend and increase our charity work in Ramadan to help more widows and orphaned children to enjoy a joyous month.

Orphans in Need Charity Work in Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, charity support increases as our teams continue to work closely with communities in need, helping to provide education, nutrition, healthcare and housing to orphans and families. We believe that every child has the right to a happy, stable life and we will go above and beyond to improve the lives of thousands of orphans wherever we can.

Charity is a key part of Ramadan and is obligatory to all able Muslims. The contributions we receive are used to provide a better life for those in need and giving during the month of Ramadan ensures you can reap the greatest rewards whilst simultaneously helping your brothers and sisters.

What is Ramadan?

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, during which Muslims across the world partake in a month-long fast to bring them closer to Allah (SWT). The fast is a practice of self-discipline and sacrifice, helping Muslims to self-cleanse, practice patience and reflect on those who are less fortunate, living in poverty or facing turbulent lives through no fault of their own. During this time, Muslims are reminded to show compassion to those in need and make their Zakat donation which ensures those living in poverty or facing hardship receive potentially life-changing support.

The Meaning of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan carries a lot of significance in the Islamic Calendar and is the month in which the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Night of Power, Laylat-ul-Qadr, occurs. Through practising compassion, reflection and purification, Muslims can reap the greatest rewards in this life and the next and become better people through their sacrifices. Fasting, known as sawm in Islam, falls between sunrise to sunset and is one aspect of observing Ramadan. Sawm also includes avoiding sinful acts and impure thoughts during the month, allowing time to be dedicated to purifying the mind, body and soul and connecting with Allah (SWT) through daily prayers and the study and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

Sawm is one of the Five Pillars of Islam alongside shahada; the Profession of Faith, salat; Making Prayer, zakat; Paying Charity and hajj; Making Pilgrimage. The Five Pillars of Islam are considered the core beliefs and practices for those following the Islamic religion and must be upheld.

Eid ul-Fitr falls at the end of Ramadan when the moon has been sighted and is a three-day festival where Muslims come together with members of their community, friends and family to celebrate the end of Ramadan. It is a time of great revelry with lots of activities for families to enjoy, plenty of sweet treats and toys for children and Eid gifts shared between family.

When is Ramadan 2021 in the UK?

Due to the Islamic Calendar following the lunar cycle, the dates of Ramadan change by approximately 10 days every year and can cause slight confusion around when the start of Ramadan falls.

Ramadan 2021 in the UK is expected to begin on the evening of Monday 12th April and end on the evening of Tuesday 11th May, although the true start time will depend on the sighting of the moon. Some communities choose to begin the month of Ramadan based on their local moon sighting, while others prefer to begin once the moon has been sighted above Mecca.

Fasting During Ramadan

Fasting is obligatory for all able Muslims from sunrise to sunset, however, some members are considered exempt, including:

– Pre-pubescent children

– Pregnant or breastfeeding women

– Those suffering from illness

– The elderly

– Travelling Muslims

It is important to remain healthy during Ramadan and eat two nutritious meals a day. One prior to the sunrise, which is known as Suhoor, intended to open the fast and another after sunset, Iftar, which is intended for breaking the fast.

It’s recommended to choose balanced meals that provide enough energy throughout the day and drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids from activity throughout the day. Dates are a common snack for breaking the fast and offer multiple health benefits, they are packed full of antioxidants, are high in fibre and contribute to a healthy brain.

Fidya

Should an able-bodied Muslim not be able to complete a day of fasting out of necessity, whether due to ill health or starting the menstruation cycle, they can delay their fast and make the time up later in the year. If they are unable to make up the fast, a small tax of £4 can be made for each day that a fast has been missed. This tax, known as Fidya, contributes to providing two meals to a person in

Kaffarah

The tax for deliberately missing a fast through no reason is known as Kaffarah and demands either fasting continuously for 60 further days or donating enough to feed 60 impoverished persons. Each time a fast is intentionally missed, a donation of £240 is expected to help those in need.

Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr

The festival of Eid ul-Fitr is anticipated to begin on the sighting of the moon on the evening of Tuesday 11th May, lasting one to three days. Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated with a great feast and Muslims are not permitted to fast on this day, it is a time for getting together with friends, family and the community to celebrate the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’.

The day begins with dressing in exclusive festival clothes before making the Eid donation, known as Zakat ul-Fitr or Fitrana, and coming together to make Eid Prayer. This is a special prayer just for Eid and is traditionally performed as part of the community in congregation. Different communities have their own rituals they take part in but the Fitrana payment must be made before the Eid ul-Fitr prayer.

The Zakat ul-Fitr contribution is made by every able Muslim and parents should also make the payment on behalf of their children and any other dependents. In the UK, Zakat ul-Fitr is £3 per person and this is distributed amongst the poor and needy so they may celebrate Eid ul-Fitr too.

We also arrange Eid gifts for impoverished and orphaned children celebrating Eid to ensure they can find happiness during this joyous festival. Eid gifts include clothing, sweets, food and a toy, costing a total of £20 per child. Please make a contribution this Eid and deliver a smile to children who would otherwise go without.

Orphans in Need Goals for 2021, Ramadan and Beyond

This year we want to achieve even more; feed more hungry families, provide more Eid gifts for orphans and help more people in need to enjoy a joyous Ramadan. Please help us to reach our goal by providing a generous Ramadan donation so we can provide extra support and supplies and reach as many communities as we can throughout Ramadan and the rest of the year.

Feed a family of five for a month for just £1 a day

Provide an orphan with food, clothing, shelter and access to necessary healthcare and education for just £1 a day

Please support our mission in providing every child, everywhere, a happy and healthy life.