Mosques across the world, including in Warrington, will be welcoming thousands of people for prayers during the month of Ramadan. Five mandatory prayers should be recited each day of the year by practising Muslims as one of the main principles of Islam, and during Ramadan, there is an even greater focus on fulfilling these acts of worship.

The five prayers are fajr (held at dawn), zuhr (at noon), asr (in the afternoon), maghrib (at sunset) and isha (at night). During Ramadan most of the day is spent going without any food and drink between a pre-dawn meal, called Suhoor, and an evening meal, called Iftar.

Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Jean Flaherty, said: “I’m delighted that we are marking the start of Ramadan by lighting up our Town Hall. Warrington is a wonderful place to live with a real mix of different faiths, religions and communities, and I am pleased we are highlighting the importance of Ramadan.”

Great Sankey South ward councillor, Mo Hussain, said: “On behalf of the Muslim community of Warrington, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all for a peaceful and blessed month of Ramadan. As we join other Muslims across the world to fast from dawn to dusk, offer prayers, and spend in charity for the poor and needy, as well as remembering all those affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey/Syria. 

“Ramadan is a month of prayer, patience, reflection, and generosity, and is a wonderful time to become active in reaching out through acts of charity and compassion, sharing and inviting. Warrington Islamic Community Centre will be hosting Iftar meals again every day in Ramadan for anyone who wants to join us.

Thank you to Warrington Borough Council for the wonderful gesture of lighting up our Town Hall in green to welcome the month of Ramadan.”

Fairfield and Howley ward councillor, Sagheer Zaman, said: “Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, charity and family gatherings. Ramadan is also a time to remember our brothers and sisters all over the world who have been adversely affected and are facing immense difficulties and hardship, especially those in recent earthquakes in Turkey/Syria, and floods in Pakistan.

“I want to send my warmest wishes to all Muslims in Warrington, in the UK, and across the world as we welcome the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak.”