Ramadan – A time for self-control, self-discipline and self-reflection

CORPORATE AND GENERAL NEWS

By Erum Razaq – Muslim Chaplain

Ramadan is a month in which Muslims fast and pray. The month begins and ends with the sighting of a new crescent moon. During this month as Muslims we refrain from eating or drinking (fast) from dawn to sunset. We have a pre-dawn meal known as Suhoor which is our final meal each day before the sun rises, and we do not eat or drink again until after sunset, when we have a meal after sunset known as Iftar. Traditionally, we open our fasts by eating dates and drinking water.

Ramadan lasts for approximately 30 days; in this month we believe the gates of hell are closed and the gates to heaven are open. Observing the fast gives us an insight to the life of the poor and less fortunate. Therefore, by fasting, we feel the struggles of the poor and become more merciful. We are also obliged to give 2.5% of what we own every year to charity, known as zakat. Most people like to give their zakat/charity in the month of Ramadan to the most in need.

Ramadan teaches us self-control and self-discipline. It's a time for self-reflection and a time to become closer to Allah (God). During the fasting period we must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and immoral acts. We increase our worship by carrying out as many good deeds possible and by increasing our prays and reciting our holy book known as the Quran. The end of Ramadan is marked by celebrating the festival of Eid ul Fitr. The celebration is commenced by dressing up, offering prayer in congregation, exchanging gifts and sharing special meals family, friends and loved ones.

In our prayer rooms, on each site, you will find dates and water to break your fast. For our colleagues who are not fasting, please be aware

When celebrities fall ill

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do for a living, we are all potentially at risk of getting ill or having an accident. Whilst as an acute NHS organisation we are well versed in caring for and treating our patients, sometimes we need to be aware that our patients may bring with them additional considerations to protect confidentiality, which is why we need to have a VIP policy for celebrity patients.

Colleagues should be aware of this policy – hosted on Connect (alternatively, search Connect policies): https://connect2.swbh.nhs.uk/ wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Policy-for-theManagement-of-VIP-and-Celebrity-Visits. pdf which gives clear advice on what to do if you have to care for a celebrity or VIP. it can be a tiring yet rewarding month. Please talk to chaplaincy or our Muslim Liaison Group if you require any more help.

One of the important principles to note is that VIP patients should be treated the same as any other patient with a similar presentation, and care should be taken to follow standard clinical procedures. This means that they do not take precedence over other patients with more urgent clinical need.

Chaplaincy at City can be reached on ext.4055 and at Sandwell can be contacted on ext. 3552.

Erum Razaq – Muslim Chaplain

Furthermore, unless treating the patient, colleagues must not approach celebrities on wards, corridors or other areas of the hospital unless advised to do so by the communications team. This includes asking for photographs and autographs. Photographs (even from a distance) must not be taken and posts with mention of the visit must not be shared on social media unless directly approved by the communications team.

If you have any questions about this policy please contact the Head of External Communications, Vanya Rogers, on vanya.rogers@nhs.net.