Stories of Ramadan - An Exploration of How Muslims Across the UK Celebrate Ramadan - Magazine

Facebook has partnered with Basma Khalifa and Mohammad Abdulle to produce â€˜Stories of Ramadanâ€™ - an exploration of how Muslims across the UK celebrate Ramadan

The campaign 'Stories of Ramadan' is created by Co-Directors, Basma Khalifah and Mohammed Abdulle. The campaign includes a video and a series of photographs presenting young UK Influencers, embraced by the written word Ramadan. The combination of vibrant portraits with calligraphy, beautifully crafted by graphic designer and artist Qasim Arif, brings joy and Ramadan feel.

Qasim Arif explains, "This campaign is to showcase and celebrate the diversity of the Muslim community in the UK, but you could say this speaks to the wider community in the West. Likewise, my calligraphy is a product of all the cultural diversity I have been nurtured by. I tell my stories through the art of the written word. The choice of the script sets a tone, and the chosen script is to match the generation of Muslim youth in the West captured in the photos and video.â€œ

Dina Tokio (dinatokio). Calligraphy by Qasim Arif. Photo Â© Basma Khalifa, Mohammad Abdulle

Dualeh Oke (@dualehoke). Calligraphy by Qasim Arif. Photo Â© Basma Khalifa, Mohammad Abdulle

Sahra-Isha (@sahraisha). Calligraphy by Qasim Arif. Photo Â© Basma Khalifa, Mohammad Abdulle

The video features conversations between influential Muslims such as lifestyle influencer Dina Tokio, model Mariah Idrissi and BBC Radio presenter Mim Shaikh - covering topics from Muslim fashion and gifting to fasting and connecting with friends and families during Ramadan. The conversation in the video shows how the current worldwide situation with Covid 19, social distancing, and the restrictions changed the way we celebrate this blessed month.

The diversity of Muslims in the UK means there is no single way to celebrate Eid. With UK Muslims coming from a variety of backgrounds including, Somalia, Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco, Sudan, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Bangladesh, this time of year means different things to different people. For some of the influencers wearing traditional clothing can help Muslims get into the Ramadan mindset. It acts as a reminder of the time of year and differentiates Ramadan and Eid from everyday life.

Ikram Abdi Omar (@ikramabdi). Calligraphy by Qasim Arif. Photo Â© Basma Khalifa, Mohammad Abdulle

Islah (@mistahislah). Calligraphy by Qasim Arif. Photo Â© Basma Khalifa, Mohammad Abdulle

Mariah Idrissi (@mariahidrissi). Calligraphy by Qasim Arif. Photo Â© Basma Khalifa, Mohammad Abdulle

During Ramadan, influencers create online content to share everything from exercise workouts to tips for cooking healthy food. The influencer Sahra Isha has set up her running club for Muslim women, sponsored by Nike. She is sending a message that staying fit and healthy is important. Lifestyle influencer Dina Tokio stressed the importance of brands involving Muslims in creating content for Ramadan and Eid, to ensure authentic and valuable content that resonates with the audience.

Over 4 million Muslims currently living in the UK contributed to the community by donating more than Â£130m in 2018 during the holy month of Ramadan alone, which was one of the facts stated in the video.