British poet Hussain Manawer has brought together 32 writers, artists, campaigners and public figures in a new Ramadan collection exploring faith, identity, grief and community through personal experiences of the Islamic holy month.
The book, titled From Sunrise to Sunset, combines poetry, reflections and stories from contributors with different religious, cultural and personal backgrounds.
Among those featured are London Mayor Sadiq Khan, rapper and disability advocate Mahfuza Salam, musician Leondre Devries and Ramadan Tent Project founder Omar Salha.
Written during Ramadan, the collection follows Manawer's spiritual journey from childhood memories in East London to visits to Medina and Makkah, where he performs Umrah and later undertakes a pilgrimage in honour of his late mother.
The poet explores the significance of Ramadan beyond fasting, examining its connections with family, discipline, health, bereavement, identity and belonging.
Khan reflects on his childhood experiences of Ramadan in Tooting, South London, and how the observance has become an opportunity for people of different faiths to connect.
He also highlights Ramadan lights across London and communal iftar events held at landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge and the Royal Albert Hall.
Salha, whose Ramadan Tent Project has grown from a student-led initiative into a major community movement, examines how shared meals and hospitality can foster understanding and bring people together.
One of the collection's distinctive contributions comes from Mahfuza Salam, professionally known as Mahfuzzy, a 24-year-old rapper living with the rare skin condition Harlequin ichthyosis.
She discusses the challenges of fasting when going without water can cause dehydration and worsen her skin condition, while reflecting on faith, gratitude and the importance of prioritising her health.
Musician Leondre Devries, one half of Bars and Melody, also shares his experience of observing Lent alongside Manawer's Ramadan fast, describing how their friendship has deepened their understanding of each other's religious beliefs.
Other contributions explore the experiences of children observing their first fasts, athletes balancing fasting with physical activities, converts embracing Islamic traditions and Muslims navigating religious obligations in the workplace.
Manawer described the collection as a personal project he had long wanted to write, bringing together different perspectives on the meaning of Ramadan.
He said the book was intended to create space for “stories, experiences, faith, love and community to be seen, warmly and gently.”
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