Written by Hajara Begum
During this year’s Ramadan, the Society of Radiographers is celebrating and amplifying the experiences of radiographers who observe the holy period.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a month-long religious festival observed by Muslims as a month of fasting and prayer.
Hajara Begum, a Band 7 practice educator radiographer at East Surrey Hospital, has shared her experience of being a radiographer during Ramadan.
What first inspired you to join the radiography profession?
"It was something different to the norm. You get doctors and nurses, but radiographers have only now become super competitive.
"I loved the idea of imaging and tech and applying that to patient care therefore when I saw the opportunity of an apprenticeship come up, I knew I had to do it."
What aspects of Ramadan are meaningful to you, and how do they influence your work as a radiography professional or learner?
“The waking up in the morning is so meaningful for me in Ramadan because you wake up so early to pray and eat, and then the fact that this is the month where you are motivated to do more good deeds, such as giving to charity or just even being kind to someone, because you get double the reward during this time.
“This influences my work as a radiographer and particularly as a practice educator because I am teaching students and I am giving them the knowledge, especially during Ramadan, which we believe is so special. We are rewarded for teaching as it helps someone, and even smiling for that instance!
“When I'm fasting during Ramadan, and I'm helping patients, it reminds me how grateful I need to be for my health and the position I am in, so it really does influence my work in a positive way and makes me proud of the fact I'm still working during this time for patients.”
What's your daily routine as a radiography professional or learner during Ramadan?
“I wake up early in the morning, eat and pray. I go to work and read short Arabic verses with my tally counter on the bus. I go about my day, do my administrative work and support my students.
“I go for my break, and at this time, I perform ablution, pray and then lie down for a bit. Afterwards, I do some more work and then pray nearby. I then finish work and by that time it's time to break my fast, which I do on the train as it breaks for around 5.30 in the evening now.
“I then pray on the train after this and then head home and do the last prayer alongside the optional prayers.”
How are you celebrating Eid?
“I will be working ... but then during the evening, I will go out with my family for some food!”
(Image: Hajara Begum)