‘How Acorns supports me as a Muslim during Ramadan’

Suhaila is a Nurse at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham. As a Muslim, Ramadan holds a special significance. Here Suhaila explains what Ramadan means to her and how Acorns supports her to meet her cultural needs during this time of prayer, reflection and community.

Ramadan is a month in the Islamic calendar where Muslims across the world fast from sunrise to sunset. During this time, we self-reflect and try to be more knowledgeable in our faith, more charitable, kinder, more patient, and appreciate all that we have. By fasting, we can become more humble and have more compassion and understanding for those who are less fortunate.

At the end of Ramadan, we celebrate Eid, a joyous occasion where children and families receive gifts, share food, and spend the day in festivities. It’s a time of coming together and celebrating the blessings that we have received throughout the year.

During Ramadan, Acorns supports me too. My colleagues are always supportive and understanding of my religious practices. They provide me with an area where I can do my prayers and work night shifts, so I can eat and drink during the night.

This level of support means a lot to me and helps me to focus on my faith while still fulfilling my duties as a nurse. Ramadan is a wonderful time where communities and families can get together to support and help each other.