Islanders in Jersey observe holy month of Ramadan

People in Jersey have shared their experiences of Ramadan

People in Jersey have been marking the month of Ramadan.

It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and has a special significance in Islam.

Ramadan, where Muslims refrain from food and drink in daylight, began on 11 March and will end later in April.

Saira Ahmed, who has lived in Jersey for nine years, said the "community spirit is very strong" and "everyone comes together".

"Everyone brings the best of their culture, and the children play together, we share food, and the most important thing is sharing our values, looking after each other and caring for each other."

Dr Sarfaraz Jamali, the head of Jersey's Muslim Community, said marking it at the island's community hall "gives us a sense of unity and it gives us an opportunity to meet and know each other".

Islander Mariam Umar is taking part in Ramadan

Mariam Umar, another islander marking Ramadan, said: "I would say I've had more support than I actually thought was possible.

"Because for instance where I work they have made a provision for everyone to fast even the non-Muslims among us, so that way I felt I was being supported.

"At least people will feel how I feel working on an empty stomach and understand where I'm coming from."

Fasting Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which lay the basis for how Muslims are required to live their lives.

The other pillars are the profession of faith, prayer five times a day, zakat - a form of charity, and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca once in their lifetime.

Fasting during Ramadan is meant to encourage spiritual reflection.