Fasting to Remember
A one-day national fast
October 18th 2007
You are invited to join in a national day of Fasting to Remember the plight of those most in need. Joining the fast, you can pledge money to provide support and a bright future for children and young people – in the UK and worldwide, and help local charitable causes.
When do I fast?
The National Day of Fasting is October 18th. This falls just after the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims the world over observe a fast from dawn to sunset. For one day you can join in the experience of fasting and remember people who are less fortunate. People of many different faiths and backgrounds will be taking part to show that our diverse communities can get together in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and for a good cause. Together we can prove that we share common concerns for the needs of the neediest, whoever they are, wherever they live.
What is fasting all about?
Fasting is an effort to remember we are more than individuals. Take one day to learn what it would be like to be without food and remember the millions in our world who suffer and need our help.
What is Ramadan?
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five 'pillars' of Islam. It is the high point of the Muslim year, a time when each individual connects with others around the world to renew their faith, reflect on their lives and remember their responsibilities to fellow human beings. Fasting is an effort of self discipline, a profound spiritual lesson. It changes the normal pattern of daily life, making us conscious of the hardships of those in need. A shared effort, it encourages us to be considerate to those around us, control our anger, speak kindly to one another, help and support each other to remember the true purpose of fasting. Ramadan is a time to rededicate ourselves to the values of peace, justice and equity. It is a time for giving, of ourselves to spiritual devotions and of the means we have to those in need. Fasting purifies the body, giving in charity purifies our livelihood.
Who can take part?
Anybody who is willing and able can join the fast. Download a sponsorship form (coming soon) if you want to raise or donate money. Fasting is a spiritual effort, not an obstacle course. Anyone with a medical condition, pregnant women or nursing mothers are not required to fast. If in doubt, or for any other health concerns please consult with your GP beforehand.
Do I have to fast for the whole day?
You can fast for as long or as short as you like. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. On October 18th that's approx. 5:50am to 6:05pm. You'll find yourself watching the clock - so check exact times, which vary from place to place, with your local mosque or in the 'weather' section of national newspapers.
What does the fast consist of?
Muslims take nothing that is ingested or swallowed - that's food, drink or cigarettes. However you should choose for yourself how stringent you want to be. Muslims take a light meal before dawn, when the fast begins, then perform their morning prayer to remember why they are making the effort. Exactly at sunset comes break-fast. Don't delay, it's a joyous moment Muslims prefer to share with family and friends. As soon as the clock strikes sip a refreshing drink. Muslims usually eat dates and some favourite snack then perform their evening prayer to give thanks for the day.
Sharing the collective effort and the joy of breaking fast is an important part of the spiritual lesson, get family and friends to join you and compare your experience, thoughts and feelings. Many localities will be hosting a charity dinner on the day. Keep coming back to this page for full event listings.
All money raised will benefit local, national and international charitable causes:
Locally Nominated Charity
This is for local organisations wishing to distribute part of their money to a local cause, like a school or hospital. For example, in previous years money was raised for Rainbows Children's Hospice in Leicester and Christies Hospital in Manchester, where much needed medical equipment was sought.
The rest of the funds sent to Fasting to Remember will go to the following charitable causes:
Barnardo's is one of the leading UK children's charities – offering a wide range of support services for children, young people and their families, helping children who are young carers, for example, looking after a sick or disabled relative.
Registered charity no. 216250 and SC037605
An emergency appeal to help the 4.5 million people affected by ongoing conflict in the regions of Darfur, Chad and the Central African Republic.
Coordinated by Islamic Relief as part of the Disasters Emergency Committee.
Registered charity no. 1112111
Schools registration form:
Many schools around the country will be taking part. Download our schools starter pack (coming soon) containing information on the event, the charities we are supporting, sponsorship forms, guidelines on health issues and parental consent, ideas of fun activities and fundraising tips as well as lesson plans on the theme of fasting.
If you would like someone to come and hold an assembly or give a talk at your school during Islam Awareness Week, please contact the Islamic Society of Britain’s Head Office at info@isb.org.uk or call 08450 87 87 66. Although we cannot promise this service, we will try our best to accommodate your
requests.
To register your school to take part, please fill in the Schools Registration Form.