Everyone at Leisure Leagues throughout the world would like to wish all of our players who are observing Ramadan during the next month Ramadan Kareem.

We are proud that our football family extends around the world, giving the largest community of football players across the globe. Millions of football players in four different continents are playing in our leagues each week and they must all uphold our values of fairness, tolerance, and equality.

We insist that everyone, whether they are Muslim, of any other faith, or indeed no faith at all, respects the beliefs of everyone throughout our leagues.

Anyone who would like to find out more about Ramadan and what it means to Muslim’s can go here: https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/ramadan/

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan begins during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar when the new crescent moon is first sighted. The exact start date of Ramadan in the UK this year  is defined as the 5^th May to 4^th June, but those dates are only confirmed when the moon is spotted by a sighting committee.

This is often made up of religious scholars, as well as senior Government Officials and because of this some countries like Jordan, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia will begin observing Ramadan on May 6 while others like Oman will mark the holy month on May 7.

What does Ramadan signify?

Ramadan is observed by Muslims to commemorate when God revealed the first chapters of the Quran, Islam’s sacred text, to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that during this period, the gates of heaven are open and the gates of hell are closed.

Muslims mark the holy month by fasting — considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam — during sunlight hours. The pre-dawn meal is known as the suhoor, while the fast is ended at dusk with the iftar, starting with a few sips of water and some dates.

What Do Muslims do during Ramadan?

Abstinence during Ramadan isn’t just restricted to food and water, though. It extends to refraining from sexual activity, smoking, and even to jealousy, anger or other negative thoughts. Muslims believe that following these practices during Ramadan will lead to self-purification, self-control and bring them closer to Allah. Many Muslims also attend special prayer services, read verses of the Quran and engage in charity.