Posted 20 April, 2023

Please accept my apologies for the delay in publishing this blog since the previous one. Since I have begun writing my thesis, albeit based on my literature review, it has taken precedence. I am aware that there is no justification for the delay; henceforth, blog posts will be more regular. Enjoy

Given that we live in modern Britain, it is difficult to imagine that Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, would have been substantially different in the 1960s. As more Asians from the subcontinent immigrated to the United Kingdom, they not only carried their culture with them, but also the religions they practised in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Muslims in the United Kingdom used to fast differently than they do currently. 

According to Haji Afzal of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, "Dewsbury was a very different place when I arrived from Pakistan to work in the city's industries in September 1960. A new Moon always signifies the commencement of Ramadan's four-week fast. In those days, however, it was impossible to see anything over the skyline of Dewsbury due to the smog and pollution emitted by the tall mill chimneys. Since then, the preponderance of these factories have shut down and been demolished." 

This is in stark contrast to how Muslims observe their fasts currently. Haji Afzal explains, "Today, our families have access to accurate, up-to-date information about the sightings of the new Ramadan moon." 

As we commemorate the end of Ramadan on the 21st of April 2023 with Eid prayers in the morning and the festival tomorrow, which will last three days for some people, we will observe the end of the holy month of Ramadan. There are mosques where the prayer times are staggered because the prayer chambers are so full. With supermarkets promoting Ramadan specials, all catering for multicultural Britain. We must consider the sacrifices made by these immigrants who endured adversity in order to practise their religion in a foreign land, establish their religion, and become an integral part of British society. 

Interview courtesy Dewsbury reporter.