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.
Noorayen Alware, a lead sonographer and clinic manager at Harley Street Ultrasound Group, shared her experience of being a radiographer during Ramadan.
What first inspired you to join the radiography profession?
“I was inspired to pursue radiography because it combines patient-centred care with advanced medical technology.
“I am particularly drawn to the crucial role imaging plays in diagnosis and treatment planning.
“Radiographers are often at the frontline of detecting illness, and I find it rewarding to contribute to accurate, timely diagnoses that directly impact patient outcomes.”
What aspects of Ramadan are meaningful to you, and how do they influence your work as a radiography professional or learner?
“Discipline and self control teaches self restraint, emotional regulation and patience. Avoiding conflict with staff or patients, managing stress professionally, aiming to practice what the religion teaches about patience and kindness towards others and oneself.
“Ramadan heightens awareness of hardship, hunger and vulnerability. This helps strengthen patient centred care, sensitivity towards colleagues and cultural awareness. Ramadan emphasises sincerity and good character — even when no one is watching. Doing the right thing consistently. Ramadan is a time of reflection.
“Professionally, this aligns with reflective practice and continuing professional development.
“Ramadan is important to me because it strengthens qualities that directly enhance my professional practice — including discipline, empathy, integrity, and reflection. Fasting encourages patience and emotional regulation, which are essential in maintaining professionalism in high-pressure environments. It also deepens my compassion toward patients and colleagues.
“During Ramadan, I become more mindful of my actions and accountability, which reinforces ethical practice and high standards of care. While fasting requires careful energy management, it also enhances my organisation and communication within the team.”
What's your daily routine as a radiography professional or learner during Ramadan?
“During Ramadan, my daily routine as a lead sonographer requires intentional energy management, which means ensuring I eat a healthy meal in the early hours of the morning, strategic delegation, and heightened emotional intelligence. I achieve this by my constant reflection of prayers and lessons from the Quran and Hadith.
“Fasting strengthens patience and self-discipline, which positively influences my leadership style. I prioritise clinical governance, team support, and patient safety while modelling professionalism and resilience.
“Ramadan enhances my reflective practice, encouraging continuous improvement in both clinical and leadership responsibilities.”
How are you celebrating Eid?
“I celebrate Eid with my family, we all wake up early and dress in our finest outfits.
“We prefer to attend the Eid prayer in a park where a big congregation gets together and prays, after which the kids enjoy the food and rides in the park, visiting friends and family, and sharing gifts and food.
“By the evening, everyone is tired and chilling in the lounge, reflecting on the month and thanking Allah for blessing us during this auspicious month, and we pray to be blessed for the next Ramadan.”
Anything else you'd like share?
“In a work environment, it can be difficult as breaking fast on time is very important and many Muslims, to avoid offending or wanting to feel like a nuisance, quietly keep a date or snack in their pocket and breakfast discreetly.
“However, in many NHS trusts, awareness is now being raised for managers to try and facilitate this time for Muslims so they can may be able to take their break at times suited for the breaking/opening of the fast by eating and, importantly, praying. EDI [Equity, diversity and inclusion] in the NHS has definitely improved over the years.
“I would like to say that where I worked, my colleagues have always been accommodating and it has always been appreciated.”
(Image: Eid Mubarak celebrations, by AJ_Watt via Getty Images)