USA: The Chron speaks to Northamptonshire Muslims about the challenges of Ramadan

“To become a true practising Muslim, this is a person who is a good human being. You don’t do it for the creator alone, if you love the creator you must love his creation. We strongly believe that should be the basis. The whole purpose of Ramadan is to show the goodness of God. God is for everyone.”

File Photo: Northampton, UK Ahmadiyya sponsored Interfaith event 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Excerpt
Source/Credit: Northhampton Chronicle and Echo
By Northhampton Chronicle and Echo | August 24, 2011

Following the rules and restrictions of Ramadan is an important part of faith for the Ahmadiyya Muslims, for whom one important priority is emphasising the peaceful message of Islam.

Dr Naveed Zafar is president of the Northamptonshire branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, an organisation which believes that the long-awaited Messiah has already come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.

As an A & E doctor, Naveen works nights, which fits in well with Ramadan as he is able to eat for much of his waking time. As he explains, in his work he cannot afford to feel ill through lack of food.


“If it was compromising my role as a doctor I wouldn’t do it,” he said. “I have to be on the ball, feel on form and fit.” He continued: “We follow all the teachings of Islam and we observe Ramadan.

“I try to observe prayers and be kind to other humans. Being a doctor is a huge workload too but I always try to be calm, I try to be even more gentle with my children and treat my wife with respect.”

He explained that Ramadan is a key time when Muslims show charity and goodness to other people.

He continued: “To become a true practising Muslim, this is a person who is a good human being. You don’t do it for the creator alone, if you love the creator you must love his creation. We strongly believe that should be the basis. The whole purpose of Ramadan is to show the goodness of God. God is for everyone.”

He continued: “It is an exercise in showing good deeds and good work. Sometimes I think people don’t realise the purpose of fasting. It is not only about prohibiting food, it has a whole wider meaning of spiritual and moral improvement. I feel many people fail to understand this, they deprive themselves of food at this time and afterwards think they can do bad things.”

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