Imam Ashfaq Patel of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
As we conclude the final week of Ramadhan, the Chaplaincy department would like to take this opportunity to thank all managers, nurses and colleagues on behalf of our Muslim staff (who have fasted from dawn till sunset daily for the last four weeks) for the support and empathy you have shown.
Many of you have also fasted in solidarity, a gesture which has been greatly appreciated. As Muslims, we bid farewell to yet another Ramadhan from the many in our lives, not knowing if we will still be around to be blessed with another month of fasting the following year.
The end of Ramadhan is marked with a day of celebration known as EID. It may seem that this day is celebrated to commemorate the end of the month of Ramadhan, the reality is that Muslims actually only celebrate this day in order to fulfil the commandment of Allah (God).
Muslims believe that in recognition and acceptance of the great sacrifices of the Muslims during the month of Ramadhan Allah kept the first day after the month of Ramadhan as a day of happiness and celebration. To such an extent, that even fasting which is viewed as a great act of worship is forbidden on this day. Muslims will still be missing the month of spirituality, giving, increased performance of prayer and enduring hardships. A month in which Muslims will have donated generously to worthy causes locally and globally, solely seeking the pleasure of Allah.
One of the well-known reasons for fasting amongst the many other reasons, is to empathise with those around the globe whose only concern will be, “Where will our next meal come from”. At least we know that once the sun sets there is always a meal waiting for us.
So, like a marathon runner in the final furlong of the race, we entered the final week, Muslim staff have been exerting even more, to try and reap the spiritual benefits of fasting and giving. Many will have booking leave to spend more time in worship and preparing for Eid.
The day of Eid is also commenced with charity; it is incumbent on the wealthy to give to the poor. The reason for this charity is to allow even those less fortunate than us to have some form of happiness on this blessed day. Muslims then gather for prayer to thank Allah for all the blessings around us which include the day of celebration. The rest of the day is then spent with extended families coming together. Unfortunately for a second year running, this will not be possible due to the current pandemic and subsequent government guidelines. Only immediate families will be celebrating in their own homes. “How we miss the getting together of our siblings and relatives”.
Once again, I warmly thank all the staff who have, and continue supporting their fasting colleagues.