My Ramadan Reflections

Shaz, PC at Menwith Hill and Vice Chair of the MDP REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) Network, shares his reflections on Ramadan, what it means to him and how he is preparing for Eid Al Adha.

Much like last year, this year’s Ramadan had an unusual feel due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, whereby we were not able to get together with friends and family when breaking fast. Yet, despite this, Ramadan remained the most awaited month of the year for all Muslims around the globe. A month that allows us to self-reflect and appreciate, but more importantly go on a spiritual journey to get closer to our creator.

For me Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, is such a special month. We fast to appreciate all the food and water we are blessed with, something which is a luxury in many corners of the world.

Working whilst fasting is certainly challenging and more so being an Authorised Firearms Officer, with long shifts and having to carry the weight of the kit.

I am fortunate though to have supportive and understanding colleagues and supervisors. My duties were moved, around me being able to open my fast on time when on shift, and I was allowed to take time needed to do my prayers and eat without any pressure.

This year seems to have flown by so far and I felt that I had just got used to fasting when the beautiful month had finished.

Despite the restrictions and it being another unusual Ramadan, I personally have much to be thankful and grateful for. It was my baby daughter’s first Ramadan and Eid Ul Fitr (the breaking of the fast, celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan), so it was extra special for me and my wife.

Just seeing the excitement and smiles on my children’s faces when they got up on Eid morning created amazing memories for us. Three days of celebrations, which included multiple new out-fits, presents and lots of food, were even more appreciated, knowing that many were without loved ones because of COVID during those very special days.

This evening (19 July), Eid Al Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, begins: this is the Eid after the Hajj pilgrimage. With many of the COVID-19 restrictions in England removed from today, enabling people to make informed decisions about how to manage risk to themselves and others, we hope to be able to celebrate with friends and family, just how Eid is meant to be celebrated.

More information

Support is available for all MDP officers and civilian staff observing religious or spiritual festivals and events. More information and contact details for the REACH Network are available on the MDP Diversity and Inclusion Intranet page.

Visit www.mod.police.uk to find out more about Diversity and inclusion in the MDP.