RAMADAN
UNDERSTANDING RAMADAN
Throughout the Islamic holy month, Muslims observe a period of prayer, reflection, carrying out good deeds and fasting during daylight hours to bring them closer to Alla. By Anesu Mlauzi
Ramadan is underway, lasting from Wednesday 22 March until Friday 21 April (although these dates may vary locally) and Arfan Rahouf, force lead for faith and belief and chair of North Yorkshire Police Association of Culture and Ethnicity (NYP ACE), explains what it means for Muslims. “It is important we are representative of all communities, but also to show to our Muslim community we can practise our religion and also police. So, it is important for us to show that organisations and the police are striving to support diversity, and allowing you to be yourself so you don’t have to hide yourself, and can feel happy to come to work. “It is vital supervisors understand and know how it impacts their staff, and also understand what impact it has on our communities as well.” Neighbourhood Policing
Teams will be aware that members of our Muslim communities will be more visible as they travel to and from mosque to pray and also as they gather together to observe Sehri and Iftar – the meals before sunrise and after sunset. It is expected that Sehri will be observed around 4.40am and Iftar around 6.05pm but will alter depending on sunrise and sunset times throughout the month. “For me, blogging on Twitter and being the faith and belief lead for the force is more about spreading awareness around
Ramadan, looking at what our Muslim communities go through and what they will be doing throughout that whole month. For example, people need to be mindful that they may see more young Asian males out on the streets at the hours
Staff who wish to observe Ramadan are
advised to speak to their line managers, to discuss possible changes to shift patterns to enable fasting and prayer to be taken into consideration. A guidance document has been made available to provide more information for staff and line managers.
“My faith tells me to make sure I treat people with respect and make sure I serve my community well. Policing says the exact same in our code of ethics”
of darkness because of the extra prayers is one example of what happens during Ramadan. People should not be quick to jump to conclusions,” explained Arfan. Following Ramadan, the community will
look to celebrations as Eid begins, where gifts of charity are given to the poor and needy and gifts are given to children.
“I truly believe that what’s
important is getting officers’ thoughts going and thinking outside the box but also being a role model for our communities to say it is ok for us to be our whole self
and practise our faith. Faith and policing for me sits together. My faith tells me to make sure I treat people with respect and make sure I serve my community well. Policing says the exact same in our code of ethics as well,” said Arfan. May this Ramadan bring joy, health, and
wealth to you. 39 | POLICE | APRIL 2023
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