WITH OVER 3 MILLION MUSLIMS AND ROOTS IN OVER 100 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE, RAMADHAN PRACTICES IN THE UK ARE BRILLIANTLY DIVERSE AND THEY VARY FROM HOUSEHOLD TO HOUSEHOLD

Ramadhan being the month of giving, neighbours comprising both Muslims and nonmuslims deliver food parcels to each other for iftar, transforming the dining table to a culinary trip around the world

SAMIA YOUNIS Head of Programmes at British Embassy

Ramadhan and iftar unite people and cultures, cutting across geographical boundaries. The basic rituals unite them in the way they fast and seek Almighty’s blessings in this life and hereafter.

However, people in different countries have diverse culinary spreads, gastronomic delights and preferences of foods. And the people of the United Kingdom to observe the holy month in all its hues.

With over 3 million Muslims and roots in over 100 countries worldwide, Ramadhan practices in the UK are brilliantly diverse and they vary from one household to another.

There’s bonhomie and camaraderie in the air, they share iftar, suhoor, and give sadaqah and zakah making it a complete month for reforming oneself.

Samia Younis, Head of Programmes at the British Embassy, shared her experiences of Ramadhan in the UK.

“As the month of giving, neighbours comprising both Muslims and nonmuslims alike deliver food parcels to each other for iftar, transforming the dining table to a culinary trip around the world,” said Samiya.

She says fast can last up to 18 hours, so days are particularly long but there is increasing enthusiasm for iftar as each hour goes by.

“From just my immediate neighbours I usually have delights from Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bosnia and

Somalia all in the space of one evening! And when we’ve finished going around the world and fancy some home delights for iftar, instead we’ll have a Sunday roast, cottage pie, chocolate concrete (a Birmingham classic!) and swap the Vimto for more bottles of Ribena than any doctor would ever recommend,” Samia recalled.