Nadira, who manages Eden Care, a programme of the 13 Rivers Trust, has helped us answer some important questions about Ramadan.

Eden Care supports Muslim individuals and families who are seriously ill, approaching the end of life, or living in social isolation.

Our work is grounded in the Islamic understanding that caring for the sick, supporting the dying, and ensuring a dignified burial are acts of worship (ʿibādah) carried out for the sake of Allah.

Alongside our end-of-life support, we work closely with another programme of the Trust, the Muslim Burial Fund, so that financial hardship never prevents someone from receiving a dignified Islamic burial.

Through this work, I see every day how deeply faith shapes people’s experiences of illness, dying, and bereavement — especially during Ramadan.

What does Ramadan mean for Muslims?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the most important time in the Muslim year. It marks the month in which the Qur’an was revealed.

During Ramadan, adult Muslims who are well enough fast from dawn until sunset. This means not eating or drinking during daylight hours.

But Ramadan is about much more than fasting. It is a time for:

• Prayer and reflection
• Patience and self-discipline
• Charity and generosity
• Family connection
• Spiritual renewal

Ramadan is also the month when many Muslims give more in charity than at any other time of year. This includes ṣadaqah (voluntary charity) and zakāt (the obligatory annual alms for those who are eligible).

Giving during Ramadan is part of worship and community responsibility. When a family member is seriously ill or nearing the end of life, this culture of generosity often brings practical help, emotional support, and a strong sense of shared care.

However, some Muslims do not have family around them for various reasons, including migration, bereavement, estrangement, or long-term isolation. In these situations, people can be left facing serious illness or death with very limited support.

As a small charity, Eden Care UK is not able to reach everyone. However, we do respond to referrals for individuals who are on their own and in need, offering companionship, advocacy, and practical support where possible.

When someone cannot fast

Islam places great importance on compassion and protecting health. Fasting is never required when it would cause harm.

People who are exempt include:

• Those with serious or long-term illness
• People with hidden or fluctuating health conditions
• Frail or elderly individuals
• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Anyone advised medically not to fast

Not fasting in these circumstances is part of Islamic teaching and does not reflect weakness of faith.

People who cannot fast may still honour Ramadan through:

• Prayer and quiet reflection
• Listening to Qur’an
• Remembrance of Allah (dhikr)
• Acts of kindness
• Giving charity

In Islam, intention matters greatly. Someone who wishes to fast but cannot because of illness is still spiritually rewarded. This removes guilt and self-blame, affirms people’s worth, and reassures them that they remain close to Allah in physical weakness and dependency.

Ramadan as a source of comfort during illness

For many Muslims living with serious illness, Ramadan becomes a time of emotional and spiritual strength.

Some find comfort in listening to Qur’an. Some in short prayers. Some in being present when family break their fast at iftar.

These simple moments help people feel connected, supported, and understood.

Faith offers structure at a time when life can feel uncertain. It provides calm, reassurance, and meaning.

When someone dies during Ramadan

Ramadan is understood as a month of mercy and closeness to Allah.

When a person dies during Ramadan, families often find comfort in knowing that their loved one passed away at a time associated with forgiveness, prayer, and mercy.

It is understood that they were taken gently, during a period when Allah’s compassion is especially present.

This helps families believe that suffering was not without meaning and that their loved one’s final days were marked by dignity and spiritual care.

For many, this brings peace alongside grief and helps them cope with loss.

How families adapt during ramadan

Families caring for someone at the end of life often adapt Ramadan gently and lovingly.

They may:

• Eat iftar near the bedside
• Pray quietly at home
• Reduce night-time activity
• Focus on comfort and rest
• Create a calm spiritual environment

Islam encourages this flexibility. Preserving dignity, comfort, and emotional wellbeing always comes before formal routines.

For many families, Ramadan becomes a time of closeness, reflection, and shared prayer.

How non-Muslims can offer support

Staff, volunteers, and carers play an important role in helping people feel respected and safe.

Helpful ways to offer support include:

• Avoiding assumptions. Not all Muslims practise in the same way. Some are non-practising. Some observe privately. Some cannot fast due to hidden illness. Faith cannot be judged by appearance.
• Understanding exemptions. Many people are exempt from fasting, including those who are unwell, pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing unseen conditions. Not fasting does not indicate weak faith.
• Communicating sensitively asking gently: “Is there anything we can do to support you during Ramadan?” can help build trust and understanding.
• Supporting practical needs
• Respect prayer times
• Be flexible with routines
• Provide quiet spaces
• Facilitate religious visits
• Offering reassurance. Patients who cannot fast may need reassurance that their religious dignity remains intact.

Thank you for the opportunity to share something of what Ramadan means for many Muslim patients and families at a time of illness, vulnerability, and loss. I hope this has offered some insight into how faith, community, and compassion continue to shape care and togetherness, even in the most difficult moments of life.

Organisation details: Eden Care is a programme of the 13 Rivers Trust, supporting Muslim individuals and families facing illness, isolation, bereavement, and end-of-life challenges.

Website: https://www.13riverstrust.co.uk Email: [email protected] 13 Rivers Trust – Charity Registration no 1161219.