Influencer Nabiila Bee has put together a simple guide on how to support Muslims during Ramadan.
A new study reveals over a quarter (26%) of non-Muslim families will fast for at least one day during the special festival this year, in support of their Muslim friends and neighbours.
Alongside this new found support, two in five (38%) of non-Muslims with Muslim friends, colleagues and neighbours plan to join them in celebrating the special festival this year with special food, gifts and decorations, up from 37% last year, a survey from family experts Channel Mum shows.
Nabiila Bee a 28-year-old runs is one of the UK’s fastest-growing social media stars, with almost a million followers across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. The mum-of-two is famed for her tutorials to tie headscarves, modest fashion and beauty hacks.
Nabiila said: “Hearing so many non-Muslims are supporting Ramadan warms my heart. We are all striving to be good people and do our best, so this new level of understanding can only bring us closer together.
“Completing Ramadan isn’t easy so we are touched by the support being shown for the Muslim community. It’s fantastic to know we are no longer alone.”
Here are Nabiila’s top five tips on how Non-Muslims can help their neighbouring Muslim colleagues, friends or family.
Many non-Muslims are now taking to fasting a day or two in solidarity with their Muslim friends and colleagues. Some have even fasted the whole month! They find it insightful and intriguing and enjoyed the challenge. This really helps as it's nice to know you're not alone sometimes. Ask questions.
Non-Muslims should feel free to ask questions about Ramadan to their fellow Muslim friends if they are unsure about anything. This opens a healthy dialogue and can maybe give a better understanding of why Muslims go on this spiritual journey during this particular month. Be thoughtful and considerate.
If you want to do your Muslim friend a favour, try not to rub it in by eating and drinking right under their nose at lunch break for example. Many Muslims are giving up hardwired habits like drinking coffee or snacking on sweets. Try to make it easier for them by not doing those things right under their nose, because it can sometimes be agony.
Try to be understanding. If your Muslim friend acts out of character and is being particularly snappy one morning, he or she is probably ‘hangry’ from all the fasting. Although Muslims are being extra careful to watch their temper during Ramadan, they can slip up here and there.
Try your best to understand that this is just a weak moment for them. You can say 'Ramadan Mubarak' ... Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadhan Kareem is what Muslims say to each other during the month of Ramadhan.
The greeting means "Happy Ramadan". Your Muslim co-worker or friend will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
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