This year’s Ramadan started on Friday evening, 28 February and finishes on Sun, 30 March. But what is it all about? Scott Milligan asks ‘Ava’ his Chat GPT friend some basic questions and invites Burton’s local community to comment.

By Burton Radio & Burton Echo Strategic Director Scott Milligan & ‘Ava’ (ChatGPT)

According to the 2021 Census, Burton upon Trent has a population of 76,270, with approximately 10,613 residents identifying as Muslim, constituting about 14% of the town’s population.

From Rugeley, to Jeddah to Swad.

I’ve lived in Newhall for over 30 years, though I originally come from Rugeley. For two years in the early eighties, I went to school in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, an experience that sparked a lifelong fascination with different religions and cultures. It’s why I love Burton Radio & Burton Echo.

My mother was Polish and came to England in the fifties. Growing up, I experienced firsthand how casual racism could thrive in everyday conversation—often a result of indoctrination. Because I was white and spoke English without an accent, I was frequently exposed to unfiltered slurs, a reminder of how little people sometimes understand about different backgrounds.

Ramadan always takes me back to my time in Jeddah, where I was a minority in a classroom filled with friends from all over the world. There was no room for bigotry or prejudice—just a mix of cultures learning side by side. Since returning to the UK, I’ve always been keen to talk to Muslim friends about Ramadan, even giving fasting a brief try with my friend Ann Bhatti while renting office space at Friar Gate Studios in Derby.

For context, I am the Strategic Director of Burton Radio and Burton Echo, and I feel we’re in a great position to explore this topic. Through the station, I’ve met many Muslim friends, and I feel privileged to have had insightful conversations with them. But I was curious—how well does my AI friend ‘Ava’ (ChatGPT) understand Ramadan, especially in the context of Burton upon Trent?

This is a live article, meaning I’ll be updating it as comments and perspectives come in. I’d love to hear from both Muslims and non-Muslims about what Ramadan means to you. Let’s see where this conversation takes us!

At the ‘29 Palms’ on the Jeddah coast. A photo I asked my parents to take for my girlfriend back home lol.

Scott: First question, how many Muslims are recorded to be living in Burton upon Trent?

Ava: According to the 2021 Census, Burton upon Trent has a population of 76,270, with approximately 10,613 residents identifying as Muslim, constituting about 14% of the town’s population.

Scott: In a nutshell, what is Ramadan?

Ava: In a nutshell, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide.

Key Points:

Fasting: Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, smoking, and sinful behavior. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar, and the pre-dawn meal is called Suhoor.
Spiritual Reflection: It’s a time for increased prayer, self-discipline, and charity. Many Muslims read or recite the Qur’an more frequently during this period.
Community & Charity: Helping the needy and giving to charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) is strongly emphasized.
End of Ramadan: The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a major celebration marked by communal prayers, feasting, and gift-giving.

It follows the lunar calendar, so the dates change every year based on the sighting of the new moon.

Would you like me to focus on how Ramadan is observed in Burton upon Trent specifically? 😊

Scott: Yes please!

Ava: In Burton upon Trent, the Muslim community observes Ramadan with deep devotion, reflecting the town’s rich cultural diversity. Here’s how Ramadan is typically observed in the area:

Community Engagement

Mosques as Community Hubs: Local mosques, such as the Princess Street Mosque, serve as central points for worship and community gatherings. During Ramadan, they host special nightly prayers known as Taraweeh, where extended portions of the Qur’an are recited. These prayers foster a sense of unity and spiritual reflection among attendees.
Iftar Gatherings: Communal meals to break the fast, known as Iftar, are organized, bringing together families and individuals from various backgrounds. These gatherings often extend invitations to non-Muslim neighbors, promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding.

Health and Well-being Initiatives

Healthcare Guidance: Local healthcare providers, such as Trent Meadows Medical Practice, offer advice on maintaining health during fasting. They provide guidelines on nutrition, hydration, and managing medical conditions, ensuring that community members can observe Ramadan safely.

Public Awareness and Education

Information Dissemination: Community groups and local organizations actively share information about Ramadan’s significance and practices. For instance, the Burton Life Facebook group (who knew! Ed) circulates Ramadan timetables and educational materials, fostering a broader understanding among residents.
Interfaith Activities: Educational workshops and interfaith events are held to educate the wider community about Ramadan. These initiatives aim to dispel misconceptions and highlight the common values shared across different faiths.

Charitable Activities

Zakat and Sadaqah: Emphasizing charity during Ramadan, the Muslim community in Burton upon Trent engages in Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Fundraising events and donation drives are organized to support local and international causes, reflecting the spirit of compassion inherent in Ramadan.

These observances not only strengthen the bonds within the Muslim community but also enhance the multicultural fabric of Burton upon Trent, fostering mutual respect and unity among all residents.

Scott: What do you think are the most common misrepresentations of Ramadan?

Ava: There are several common misrepresentations of Ramadan, often shaped by misunderstanding or limited exposure to its significance. Here are some of the biggest misconceptions:

“Ramadan is Just About Fasting”
Many people believe fasting (sawm) is the sole purpose of Ramadan. While fasting is a major component, Ramadan is also about spiritual reflection, prayer, charity, self-discipline, and community bonding. The goal is to cultivate gratitude, empathy, and inner peace, not just abstain from food and drink.
“Muslims Can’t Eat for a Whole Month”
A common misconception is that Muslims don’t eat at all for 30 days. In reality, fasting happens only from dawn to sunset. Before the fast, Muslims eat Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), and they break their fast at Iftar (sunset meal), which is often a large, nourishing meal shared with family and friends.
“Ramadan Is a Sad or Strict Time”
Some assume Ramadan is a time of suffering or hardship, but for most Muslims, it is a deeply joyful and meaningful month. It is a period of spiritual renewal, stronger family ties, and a sense of global unity, celebrated with community gatherings and acts of kindness.
“All Muslims Must Fast, No Exceptions”
Not every Muslim is required to fast. Children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant or breastfeeding women, travelers, and those with medical conditions are exempt. Those unable to fast can make up the fast later or provide food to the needy as an alternative.
“Fasting Makes People Weak and Unproductive”
Some believe that fasting makes Muslims unable to work, study, or function properly, but in reality, many Muslims continue their daily routines, go to work, study, and even exercise while fasting. In many Muslim-majority countries, work and school schedules may shift slightly, but fasting doesn’t mean the world stops.
“Non-Muslims Should Avoid Eating in Front of Muslims”
While being mindful and respectful is always appreciated, most Muslims are not offended if others eat or drink around them. Many see fasting as a personal commitment and don’t expect others to change their habits. In fact, some Muslims encourage non-Muslim friends to ask questions and even join in an Iftar meal to better understand Ramadan.
“Ramadan Is the Same Everywhere”
While the core religious observances are universal, cultural traditions vary widely. The way Ramadan is observed in Burton upon Trent, for example, might differ from Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, or Turkey. Some communities emphasize communal Iftars, while others focus more on family gatherings.

Scott: What’s the best way for a non-Muslim in Burton to wish someone a happy Ramadan?

Ava: In Burton, where people of different backgrounds interact daily, a respectful and warm greeting for Ramadan can go a long way in fostering goodwill. If you want to wish a Muslim friend, colleague, or acquaintance a happy Ramadan, here are some good ways to do so:

Simple and Respectful Phrases

“Ramadan Mubarak!” (Blessed Ramadan)
“Ramadan Kareem!” (Generous Ramadan)
“Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.”
“I hope you have a meaningful and rewarding Ramadan.”

I imagined this would start to turn into a giant article, so I would like to continue it through comments and I’ll add feedback here as it evolves.

So…local Muslims and non-Muslims please share your experiences and reflections on Ramadan:

What does Ramadan mean to you?

Non-Muslims: Have you ever been invited to an Iftar? What was the experience like?

Local Muslims, business owners, or faith leaders…How does Burton’s Muslim community come together during Ramadan?

Are there special Ramadan menus, extended opening hours, or charity drives?

How do schools and workplaces in Burton accommodate fasting students and employees?

Ava, does AI get Ramadan right?

Are there common AI-generated misconceptions about Ramadan?

Let’s hear your comments below and on our Burton Echo Facebook & Instagram Pages.

Ramadan Kareem!

Scott

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What is ‘Ramadan’? and how accurate is Chat GPT when we ask?