Leeds United are continuing their work with MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) to ensure ALL supporters feel welcome at Elland Road, while helping to educate our fanbase around important events in the Muslim calendar, such as Ramadan (22nd March to 21st April).

MEND have provided some useful information around Ramadan that may be beneficial to those who are unaware of its importance and meaning.

As it says in Marching on Together "We’ve been through it all together,” and that is something that runs through the core of what Ramadan is. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the holiest and most important months to Muslims. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and increased devotion to God. This is primarily done through fasting from food and drink, including water, from dawn till sunset for the entire month. All adult Muslims are obligated to fast unless they are exempted from doing so through ill health or pregnancy for example.

During the entire month, Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness, cleanse body and soul and do as many good deeds as possible. Iftar, the meal for breaking the fast, is often a time of friendship and togetherness – whether this is simply being at a friend’s house tor having open iftars which is open to all members of the community and can often have hundreds of people opening their fast together.

In addition to fasting, Muslims also partake in several activities that are for the benefit of the community, as giving in charity is also highly encouraged during the month. Muslims have a long-established history of giving in charity and this is amplified during the month of Ramadan. In 2020, Muslims in the UK gave £150 million to a range of charitable causes.

The end of the month is marked with the celebration of Eid-ul-fitr. This is when Muslims will gather together at the mosque, exchange presents and partake in many a feast. It is a time of great joyfulness and merriment having achieved what they have been able to during the month.

If you would like to learn more about Ramadan and the Muslim community, please look at finding your local mosque to participate in an open iftar, you will be more than welcome!

Ramadan Mubarak!