Ramadan

Ramadan 2024 is here, and Orphans in Need is preparing to provide support to the neediest orphans and widows during this auspicious month.

With the assistance of our generous donors in the past year, we have been able to provide more than 10 million meals to those in need. Our nutritious supplies have ensured that families across the world have been able to participate in Iftar and Suhoor together for the whole month without worrying about where their next meal is coming from.

During the 2024 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 £35 will feed a family of five for the whole month of Ramadan with nutritious, quality food that has been locally sourced. Orphans in Need is on the ground in 14 countries across Asia and Africa. We thank our donors for their invaluable support, allowing 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 widows and orphaned children make the most of 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 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 for all able Muslims. The contributions we receive are used to provide a better life for those in need and giving during Ramadan ensures you can reap the greatest rewards whilst simultaneously helping your brothers and sisters.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, during which Muslims worldwide 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 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, ensuring those living in poverty or facing hardship receive 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 on the 27th of Ramadan, 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 and 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 of those following the Islamic religion and must be upheld.

Eid al-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 or Eidi (cash gifts) shared between families.

When is Ramadan 2024 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 2024 in the UK is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday 10 March, and end on the evening of Tuesday 9 April, although the true start time will depend on the sighting of the moon. Some communities choose to begin the month of Ramadan based on a local moon sighting, while others prefer to begin once the moon has been sighted above Makkah.

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 before the sunrise, known as Suhoor, intended to open the fast and another after sunset, Iftar, intended to break 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 a non-disabled 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 fasting 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 for not fasting, contributes to providing two meals to a person in need.

Kaffarah

The tax for deliberately missing a fast for 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, one is expected to pay Kaffarah to help those in need.

Celebrating Eid ul-Fitr

The festival of Eid al-Fitr is anticipated to begin on the sighting of the moon on the evening of Tuesday 9 April, lasting one to three days. Eid al-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 al-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 the congregation. Different communities have their own rituals they take part in, but the Fitrana payment must be made before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.

Who Pays Zakat al-Fitr

Every able Muslim makes the Zakat al-Fitr contribution, and parents should also make the payment on behalf of their children and any other dependents. In the UK, Zakat al-Fitr is £3 per person, and this is distributed amongst the poor and needy so they may celebrate Eid al-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 2024, Ramadan and Beyond

This year we want to achieve even more; share facts about Ramadan, feed more hungry families, provide more Eid gifts for orphans and help more people in need to enjoy a joyous Ramadan. Please help us reach our goal by providing a generous Ramadan donation to 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 (£30 food parcel)

Provide an orphan with food, clothing, shelter and access to necessary healthcare and education for just £1 a day (£30 monthly orphan sponsorship)

Please support our mission of providing every child with a happy and healthy life everywhere.