Birmingham muslims gather at Saathi House in Aston to mark the start of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a thirty day period where Muslims from all over the world come together. The month involves fasting, prayer and a reflection on their faith.

Saathi House in Aston hosted a launch party to celebrate the launch of Ramadan in the city on Thursday (March 31) ahead of the holy month beginning. Members of the community gathered to welcome the holy month - including Shah Begum and Carol Lyndon MBE - to enjoy home made food, a host of different arts and crafts activities - including henna tattooing - traditional Islamic song and poetry.

With over a quarter of Birmingham’s population identifying as Muslim, Ramadan is one of the most observed religious celebrations in the city.

Shah Begum, Project Assistant for Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, says: “Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It’s a very important time for Muslims across the city and across the world. We fast from Daybreak until sunset. We’re also especially attentive to our prayers, we give extra and charity, and we’re just mindful of our actions and our relationships with each other and with God.

“In Birmingham, there’s a really large Muslim community who have roots and connections all over the world. And it’s one of those things that brings us together regardless of your background and your heritage. It’s one of the things that you know, during the month of Ramadan, your fellow Muslim, regardless of where they come from, or how they practice Islam. They’re all going through the same thing as you.”

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