Leeds has approximately 63,000 Muslims with concentrations in Harehills, Hunslet and Hyde Park.
And tens of thousands of Leeds Muslims will be observing Ramadan, a month of fasting during daylight hours. It is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and is when the Quran – Islam's holy scripture – was revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
As well as fasting from dawn until dusk, observing Ramadan includes a pre-dawn breakfast ( suhur ) and an evening meal ( iftar ) after dark. Muslims believe fasting and focusing on prayer brings them closer to Allah . Observers are expected to refrain from smoking, sex and sinful activities, instead focusing on prayer and Quran study.
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Extra good deeds and charity are encouraged during the month as it is believed Allah rewards those who do good deeds more during Ramadan. The month of Ramadan ends with Eid-al-Fitr , a big celebration of the return to normal life.
In South Asian countries like Pakistan, Muslims eat sweet foods and celebratory dishes like biryanis. Children receive cash gifts and new clothes. Muslim women decorate their hands with temporary henna tattoos ( mehndi ).
When does Ramadan begin in Leeds?
The beginning of Ramadan is not fixed because it is determined by the first sight of the new moon. This year Ramadan is expected to start on March 23. While Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia have an appointed board of astronomers to spot the first faint sign of the new moon, Britain does not so the timing of prayers and fasting are determined by schedules in the Middle East.
Here is the schedule courtesy of Bradford Grand Mosque, the biggest mosque in the North. There's a timetable specific to Leeds courtesy of Islamic Relief here.
What are the key dates?
As well as the beginning of Ramadan, the month contains Laylat al-Qadr . The night, sometimes translated as the 'Night of Decree' or 'Night of Power', is the holiest day in the Muslim calendar.
It is when the Quran was first sent from Heaven and its first verses were revealed. Its exact date isn't known – it isn't in the Quran – but it is said to be the last five odd-numbered nights of Ramadan in Sunni Islam. In Shia Islam is said to be the last 10 odd-numbered nights.
The other main key date is Eid ul-Fitr (see above).
What good deeds can you do during Ramadan?
Here are some suggestions from Trinity Academy Leeds.
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