Samiya is studying Pre-sessional English with MSc Management and is currently living in Luton whilst studying at the University. Samiya shares the support she has had from the University and the places on campus she will be spending her time throughout Ramadan.

Can you tell us what Ramadan is?

Assalamualaikum (pronounced, As-Salaam-Alaikum) is a greeting in Islam. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holy month that Muslims will fast by not eating or drinking in the hours of daylight. During this period, Muslims spend extra time reading the Quran (Islam’s holy book) and namaj (praying). Ramadan is divided into three parts, each lasts for 10 days, which are:

• Mercy of Allah (Rahmah) – first 10 days
• Forgiveness of Allah (Maghfirah) – second 10 days
• Safety from the Hellfire (Nijat) – final 10 days

What does it mean to you?

To me, Ramadan is the most peaceful month for the Muslim community. It gives people an opportunity to get closer to Allah (God), develop the quality of taqwa (consciousness of God) and teaches people to forget negative concepts.

What are some of the traditions?

Fasting is started by eating sehri, just before the sunrise and is finished eating iftar after sunset. In Bangladesh 95% people eat rice with fish or meat and vegetables for sehri. As an iftar they typically make traditional food such as hotchpotch (a mutton stew with mixed vegetables), chickpeas, dates, fruit, juice, piaji (a lentils paste), beguni (thin slices of eggplant with batter and gram flour) and jilap (a traditional fried sweet pastry).

I am from Sylhet, a city in Bangladesh, and there it is tradition to send various types of food /iftar to a relative’s house.

What is your favourite moment throughout Ramadan?

The most enjoyable moment for Muslims is after 30 days of fasting Eid-al-Fitr happens (end of Ramadan). Every year I have spent Ramadan with my family, but this year I will get a new experience being at University. I know it’s going to be hard to manage studying whilst I am fasting.

How is the University supporting you?

I am very much glad and proud to be a part of the University of Bedfordshire. This university gave me an opportunity to fulfil my dream because I a plan to be a manager in the future. My tutors are very helpful and friendly. When I got my visa and came to the UK I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to understand my lecturers because of the language barriers. I thought if I don’t understand… how I can do my class? But once I started my opinion has completely changed.

Are there any places on campus you will spending most of your time during Ramadan?

One of the best, most beautiful and enjoyable places to go is the Tree House. I go there every single day to eat my lunch, meet new friends, talking to others, singing and playing games. Last but not the least, for me as a Muslim, the most valuable place I found is the prayer room. I couldn’t imagine that I could find a prayer room in a UK university and I am very thankful for this room. I am also thankful for all staff in the Tree House who arrange great events, and provided me with a community whilst I study.