Mosques, markets, family gatherings: Spirit of Ramadan in London

With mosques filled and homes decorated, London‘s Muslim community embraces the essence of Ramadan, focusing on unity, faith, and charity.

Community spirit during Ramadan

As the holy month unfolds, Muslims across London are engaging in family gatherings, attending mosques, and decorating their homes to create a warm spiritual atmosphere. The city comes alive with festive preparations, as homes are adorned with special Ramadan decorations, mosques are packed with worshippers, and local markets witness a surge in shoppers preparing for sahur (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (evening meal).

For many, Ramadan is not just about fasting and prayer but also a time for reflection, charity, and coming together as a community. Nawal Adam, a London resident and engineer, shared how her family meticulously plans their daily routines to accommodate fasting, prayer, and community involvement.

“We decorate our homes ahead of Ramadan and plan our meals in advance,” Adam said. “I have a large family, so we coordinate transportation to bring everyone to the mosque for Tarawih prayers. We also organize efficient iftar preparations.”

Despite the challenges of fasting, particularly in the U.K. with long working hours, Adam emphasized that the spiritual rewards make it worthwhile. “It’s very, very difficult, but Alhamdulillah, we are blessed… Allah rewards us for our efforts,” she said.

Ramadan: A time for reflection and charity

For others like 33-year-old Raak, the focus of Ramadan is on mental and spiritual preparation. “You cleanse yourself with a fresh mind, ensuring you act well among your peers,” he explained. “It’s also a time to reflect on those struggling around the world, and to give charity whenever possible.”

Raak highlighted that Ramadan fosters a sense of unity within the Muslim community, stating, “It’s about coming together with all brothers and sisters, sharing a common goal.”

Ramadan rush: Markets and homes come alive

For London’s Muslim shopkeepers, Ramadan represents a busy time, with customers flocking to buy traditional foods and essential items. Ali, an Afghan shop owner in North London, noted the high demand for dates during Ramadan, a staple for breaking the fast.

“Dates are always in high demand during Ramadan,” Ali said. “People stock up before the month begins and continue to buy throughout. It’s a part of the tradition.”

Adding a personal touch to home decorations

Many families in London make special efforts to bring the spirit of Ramadan into their homes. Galal Youssef, a British Egyptian living in the U.K. since 1995, shared how his wife decorates their home with festive Ramadan decorations, including some Egyptian touches to make it feel more like home.

“We make sure everyone in the household is prepared for fasting, both physically and mentally,” Youssef explained. He also emphasized the role of mosques in nurturing a sense of community during Ramadan. “The sense of community in the mosque is lovely. It’s where we meet, listen to Quran recitations, and connect with each other.”

“If you don’t go to the mosque, you wouldn’t feel Ramadan in England,” he added.

Mosques play a key role in community support

Mosques across London have stepped up to provide essential services for worshippers during Ramadan. Hamid Qureshi, the imam of North Finchley Mosque, shared how their mosque has organized various initiatives, including nightly Tarawih prayers and the Quran Buddy Program, which pairs individuals with experienced reciters to enhance their understanding of the holy book.

“We hold Tarawih prayers every night, aiming to complete the entire Quran over the 30 days of Ramadan,” Qureshi explained. “We also offer iftar and sahur for community members, and we organize programs to help people improve their Quran recitation and knowledge.”

Solidarity with struggling Muslims around the world

Beyond worship and community, the Ramadan spirit is also about solidarity with fellow Muslims worldwide. Qureshi pointed out that the challenges faced by Muslims globally, especially in Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, and elsewhere, are deeply felt during Ramadan.

“Just like last year, what happens elsewhere in the Muslim ummah affects us everywhere. The Muslim ummah is like one body. If one part of it is struggling, the rest of the body feels it as well,” said Qureshi.

Many mosques in London have set up fundraising initiatives throughout the month, collecting donations for Palestinians in Gaza and others who are suffering around the world.