Written by Mama R lets us know how difficult the holy month of Ramadan was to live through while being accommodated in a hotel without cooking facilities.
Mama R found herself and her family in a hotel in Romford during the holy month last year. Fasting from dawn to dusk, obviously means preparing and eating meals at times which are not convenient for restaurants or shops. The family were not allowed to store any food in their hotel room at all. This created an impossible situation.
Please understand that nothing has changed since last year – so many of our beautiful Muslim families will be facing this exact set of circumstances for the next month.
Others, living in home office provided contingency hotels will not be offered a hot IFTAR meal all month, instead they will have sandwiches left for them to eat at the time of breaking their fast.
We believe that everyone has a human right to be able to undertake their religious observance unhindered. For hundreds this holy month – their housing or home office accommodatio will make it impossible.
Mama R
‘The thing I suffered most from was the difficulty of finding restaurants for halal food.’
As there is no way for our families, to cook or store food in their hotel rooms. Each meal must be bought pre-prepared outside on the day. The financi8al expense incurred can reach an additional £200 a week, but on top of that – for our muslim families placed in areas without a significant Muslim population – that means that culturally and religiously appropriate pre-prepared or takeaway food is hard to come by.
Mama R.
‘The hotel was in the Romford area. Restaurants closed early and breaking our fast during Ramadan was late.
It was forbidden to take food to the rooms.
This meant that the whole family, including small children had to leave their ‘home’ to eat each meal.
. We had to eat outside’ she says.
Mama R.
‘We would go out to Tesco. As that was the only store that is open [at that time of night] to buy cheese and toast, and this is how we break our fast after a long day of fasting.
Mama R.
‘At that time, I was breastfeeding my child. I needed a lot of vitamins and protein. This is what I would have gotten if I were at home and cooking during Ramadan.
It was a very difficult experience. I feel sad when I remember it.’
To make sure that families won’t have to face another Ramadan like this – please sign and share our petition to make sure no children are housed without a kitchen. Just clicking below.
