For a month each year, Muslim people across the world observe Ramadan. We've asked Noor, who's an Administrator for Bury Shared Lives, to explain why she takes part in Ramadan, what it means to her and her tips for being supportive to others during their fast.

My name is Noor Qureshi and I recognise myself as a Pakistani Muslim. My family migrated to the UK in 2012 because my dad used to live and work here.

Ramadan is one the most important events of our year because it is the holiest month of all. Most people understand the basic purposes of Ramadan, which are to fast for 30 days and devote ourselves in prayers and religious activities - to develop a closer bond with our Allah. Fasting is also important because it is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of a Muslim person’s life. 

For me, Ramadan is very special for various reasons; one being that it’s one of the pillars that keep my faith strong. Every year, just before Ramadan starts, I decide upon some spiritual goals that I would like to achieve and practice them for the rest of the year.

When we first moved to Bury, Ramadan was not the same as it used to be back home. It felt very lonely but now after living here for so long, Ramadan is amazing. We have a big Asian community around where I live so everyone I know celebrates Ramadan and it feels beautiful.

Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal directly after sunset) are special to me because everyone in the family gets together to open and close the fast, which is amazing. Throughout the whole month, special foods are prepared and it feels like Allah is blessing me when I open my fast.

Working at Persona has been great, and I feel very supported by everyone here, especially when following my faith while at work.

The support I’ve been given by my manager is amazing; she has been very active in supporting me to practice my religious obligations.  When I spoke to her about my prayer schedule, she told me there wasn’t a private place for me to use as a prayer room, but she raised the issue with the relevant people which made me feel very confident in the company and that I am important to them. Mo, my manager, has allowed me to keep my working hours very flexible which means I can pray every day when I need to and that has been an amazing help. She has also been very understanding towards me during Ramadan especially, encouraging me to reduce my working hours and take flexi days, if needed, to help me with my fasting. All of this has been a great help for me and made me feel more comfortable.

If someone you know is fasting, one way to support them would be to ask them if they mind if you eat near them – I find this very respectful and considerate.

The best thing about Ramadan for me is that it teaches us to be grateful for the smallest things, which we wouldn’t normally take notice of. For example, having food to eat or a roof over our heads. It also teaches us to be in control of ourselves and be kind, especially when the hunger is getting to you, and it teaches us to be generous in sharing and see our blessings double in every way.

At the end of Ramadan, I celebrate Eid with my friends and family: we all have a gathering where we dress up and exchange gifts. We all enjoy the delicious food my mum makes - it is a joyful event and a reward from Allah.

Click here for more tips on how to be supportive during Ramadan.

Click here to read more about Ramadan and how to be inclusive during this month. 

Click here to visit our main Cultural Calendar page.