Dear Parents and Carers,
Ramadan this year is due to begin on Saturday 27th May (the start of half term) and end with Eid Ul-Fitr on 26th June.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has again worked with Imams, Islamic scholars, experts, Muslim chaplains in the education sector and leaders from a range of different theological persuasions, including both Sunni and Shia, to produce an information paper for schools and colleges to refer to over the observance of Ramadan during this summer’s exams.
It does not recommend any particular interpretation of Islamic law but presents various positions from which parents and young people can draw their practice, and is intended as a positive opportunity for engagement with students and families so that they can make decisions for themselves.
The paper explains that:
- there is a wide and diverse range of possible interpretations of Islamic law. Islam encourages critical reasoning and while individuals may seek advice from religious leaders, they have the right to make their own decision
- young Muslims, and their families, will need to balance their obligations as Muslims with their studies and the importance of examinations for their futures, noting that the pursuit of education is also a religious and moral duty for all Muslims
- children and families should be informed of the flexibility Islamic law offers to delay or exempt themselves from fasting and late-night prayers if they believe their performance in exams could be affected
The paper is available to download here:
https://www.ascl.org.uk/utilities/document-summary.html?id=B28773D7-A5D7-4B07-99E67827D2850F79
We will also have rooms booked for staff and students to use for prayer and reflection during Ramadan. These will include room 2.19 which also has prayer mats available to borrow.
I hope that you find this useful and I wish you all the best in your exams!
Thanks and blessings,
Tim Richards,
Chaplain