GRATEFUL CARDIFF TEACHERS FAST RAMADAN DAY

Cardiff, 13 Ramadhan 1436/30 June 2015 (MINA) – Motivated by Muslims’ plan to feed the homeless for the thirty days of Ramadan, Cardiff teachers have announced plans to fast for one day during the holy month to raise awareness of Islam and appreciate Muslim efforts in the city.

“We are doing this as a way to connect with our Muslim students and to raise money for the food bank,” Andrew Bodgin, a teacher at the Celtic English Academy in Park Place said, On Islam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“Many of our international students are Muslim. By participating in the fast, we hope to show solidarity with them as well as those in our local community.

“Many of our Muslim students are from the Middle East. Seeing the efforts they make to study while doing Ramadan, we wanted to show we empathise and want to show that there is community support within the community here when Muslims are sometimes needlessly vilified,” he added.

Bodgin, like other Cardiff teachers, was inspired to fast for a day after hearing plans of the city’s Dar Ul-Isra Mosque to feed 400 people, including homeless people, every night throughout the 30 days of the religious festival.

Joining Muslim efforts, teachers hope to raise £500 for Cardiff Foodbank as well as to share the holy month with their Muslim students.

“I want to show the people and their culture are nothing to be afraid of. The more we can connect with different peoples and their cultures the better,” Bodgin said.

Bodgin (33), admitted he would find it hard to go without food or drink for 19 hours.

“I will miss my morning French pastry from Allen’s Bakery in Roath. I will miss the cake which is always in the staff room and I will miss my morning coffee. But I’m sure I can manage for a day,” he added.

Along with Bodgin, teachers Jon Letson and Jennifer John will be joined on the fast by the school’s marketing director Shoko Morimoto.

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, kicked off in UK on June 18.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

This year, Ramadan falls in midsummer, meaning the longest hours of daylight during which fasting must take place.

Friday, July 3, is one of three nights that the Dar Ul-Isra mosque is welcoming anyone, regardless of faith, to join them for a three-course meal.

The other dates are Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29. (T/P006/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)