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Fri 13/08/2010 11:54

All,

Please find attached a RICU fact sheet on Ramadan Mubarak messages including the
message from the Prime Minister, we encourage you to share this unrestricted document
with your contacts.

As ever we would appreciate your feedback on the format, content and timing of this
document as well as suggestions on issues you would like it to cover. Please email
ricu@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk with comments or if you would like to subscribe.

Kind regards,
Naomi

Naomi Line
Strategic Communications Advisor
RICU (Research, Information and Communications Unit)
Office for Security and Counter Terrorism
Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF
Tel: 0207 035 0236

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6 August 2010
Ramadan Mubarak Messages
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest of the four holy months. The
start of Ramadan depends on the first sighting of the moon, which this year took place on 11th August
for many of the Muslims around the world (others started on 12 August).

To mark the start of Ramadan the Prime Minister David Cameron, Foreign Secretary William Hague
and Home Secretary Teresa May issued Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan) messages.

On 12th August Prime Minister David Cameron issued the following message:

“I want to send my very best wishes to all the Muslim communities in Britain and around the world as
you start this hugely significant month of Ramadan.

I know one of the messages of Ramadan is the importance of charity and the act of giving to those
less fortunate than ourselves. That tradition is not just a great Muslim tradition. It’s also a great British
tradition, something we cherish right across our society, amongst people of every faith and none.

I’m very proud that Britain has been at the forefront of the international response to the terrible floods
in Pakistan. And our thoughts are with all those who have suffered in this disaster and their families
and friends, especially those here in Britain.

At this time of prayer and reflection, I hope that your prayers will be answered, your families and
communities strengthened and that this Ramadan may bring you peace, happiness and every
blessing.”

Key points

Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered to be the
holiest month of the year, and Muslims believe that during this month the Qur’an (the central
religious text of Islam) was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Muslims also believe that
during the month the gates of heaven are open and the gates of hell are closed.

There are five Pillars of Islam. These pillars are the declaration of faith, praying five times a
day, giving money to charity, a pilgrimage to Mecca on at least one occasion and fasting
during the month of Ramadan.

All able bodied adult Muslims must abstain from following things during the hours of daylight:
• Food or drink of any sort
• Smoking
• Sexual activity

Fasting has significance beyond not eating and drinking; Ramadan is intended to increase self
control in all aspects of life. The aim is to be a model human being during the fast, hoping that
the good behaviours will become habits for life. Muslims will therefore try to give up bad habits
during Ramadan, and many will pray or read the Qur'an more.

During Ramadan those Muslims who are fasting will wake before dawn and will break the fast
with a meal (iftar) at sunset. As well as fasting, evenings are often spent at a Mosque in
congregational prayer.

The end of Ramadan is marked by the three-day festival of Eid Ul Fitr (festival of the breaking
of the fast). Most Muslims will attend the mosque for special Eid prayers on the first day,
followed by celebrating and exchanging gifts with families and friends.

6 August 2010
Associated articles

Number 10 – Prime Minister’s message for Ramadan

FCO – Foreign Secretary’s message for Ramadan
Home Office – Home Secretary’s message for Ramadan
BBC – Information about Ramadan
Ramadan Festival – Details of events taking place during the month of Ramadan
UK in Morocco – Embassy website with messages and information about Ramadan

6 August 2010