It's the first Friday of Ramadan today (Friday, April 8 2022) so a kind greeting to say to Muslim friends, family members or colleagues is "Jumma Mubarak" which means "Happy Friday" or "Have a blessed Friday". With Friday being the holy day for Muslims, Fridays in Ramadan are especially important.
Jumma, also spelt Jummah and Jumu'ah, also refers to Friday prayers and millions of Muslims will meet in their local mosque and Islamic centres today to pray together on this holy day. Many more will meet their friends and neighbours in their local community and do their part to support others in need.
Ramadan began in the UK last Sunday and is due to finish on either May 2 or 3 this year. It's expected to be the latter as Ramadan began one day later than initially anticipated. A statement from the Muslim Council of Britain states: "Ramadan is one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar. This year, Ramadan will be from April 2/3 to May 2/3 2022 (depending on sighting of the moon). With Covid-19 restrictions now mostly removed across the UK, Ramadan 2022 will mark a return to the usual practices normally observed during Ramadan for British Muslims after a two year hiatus. Ramadan 2022 will see British Muslims going to the mosque for iftar (evening meal that breaks the fast) and taraweeh (special night prayer), and visiting friends and family." For more stories about Ramadan, go here.
