UHDB marks the beginning of Ramadan 2023
Today marks the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. To all of our Muslim colleagues and communities - we wish you a very happy Ramadan Mubarak!
Ramadan begins in the evening of Wednesday 22 March 2023, and lasts for 29 or 30 days, concluding with the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, this year taking place on Friday 21 April 2023 - dependent on the sighting of the crescent moon.
This ninth month of the Islamic calendar is one of the holiest periods of the year for Muslims - with the annual observance of Ramadan being one of the five pillars of Islam - and is observed worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
The daily period of fasting involves abstinence from food, drink and smoking from sunrise to sunset every day of the month.
It is very important that all of us - staff, patients, visitors, and members of the community - are aware of this important religious obligation, and how this affects those who observe it.
If visiting our hospital sites, please keep this in mind, and treat everybody with respect at this deeply important time for many in our community.
Alternatively, please speak to a member of staff who will be able to help you.
Susy Insley, a Chaplain at UHDB, said:
"We wish our Muslim colleagues, patients and friends Ramadan Mubarak. This is a time for those observing Ramadan to become closer to God and connect deeply with their faith - as it celebrates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
"If you require any information or support, please don't hesitate to speak to us."
Executive Chief People Officer, Amanda Rawlings, wishes all of our Muslim colleagues and communities a "healthy, happy and prosperous" month of Ramadan. She said:
"At UHDB we take enormous pride in being a diverse, inclusive and compassionate place to work for all. We have provided information to all staff on what this holy month means to those of the Muslim faith, and guidance to managers, to ensure that colleagues as well as patients and visitors observing Ramadan are supported in doing so.
"On behalf of UHDB, I hope you all have a blessed Ramadan."