Muslim Association co-chair gives insight into Ramadan as a police officer
1 April 2026
The co-chair of the Muslim Association of Police (AMP) for Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies has paid tribute to every officer ‘going along their own personal faith journey’ while observing Ramadan.
In February, Chief Officer Ayman Al-Aride completed his 11th Ramadan in policing, over a decade after joining the profession as a Special Constable.
Now serving as the head of Suffolk’s Special Constabulary, Ayman leads his fellow volunteer officers and has expressed strong appreciation for the Force’s support of its staff’s beliefs and values.
Ramadan is a month-long Islamic holy period dictated by the religion’s lunar calendar, this year lasting from 17 February to 19 March.
For observers worldwide, this represents an important opportunity to fast, pray, study, reflect and give to others in the name of their faith.
However, Ayman said that the month holds a different meaning for each individual, particularly within the unique context of a police officer’s life.
“I think what makes Ramadan such a special time is that everyone might look like they do the same things on the outside, but on the inside, it is about their own unique relationship with God. For me, it’s about using this time to strengthen that relationship, in whatever way that might look like for you,” he said.
“Personally, I like to show appreciation for my family life, my work life, my volunteer life and everything else I am so lucky to have, and to spread that positivity around as much as I can.
“My volunteer life in the police is something I have to be particularly conscious about, but even that is something I see as a blessing because it allows me to combine two of my greatest passions for a few weeks every year.”
Expanding on his voluntary duties in the Force, Ayman says the day-to-day management of his workload during Ramadan has changed as his policing career has progressed, with the 51-year-old still wanting to hit between his usual 50 to 80 hours of service a month.
“Due to fasting, I might have some slightly less energised days - mostly because I’m getting older - but I still want my overall output to look the same,” he continued.
“I find you just need to pace yourself and try to prepare the day before, if you know tomorrow will be busy for you.”
Midway through Ramadan, Ayman - along with co-chair Julie Begum and vice-chair Mo Motlib - was behind organising an AMP event to commemorate Iftar, which sees participants break their daily fast at sunset.
Held at the Visitors’ Centre next to Landmark House, the event was described as a ‘great success for both the community and the Constabulary’ by Ayman, thanks to attendance from both Muslim and non-Muslim Force personnel.
“Like I said about spreading positivity, it was a wonderful way to give people on the outside an insight into our religion and why we do what we do for our faith. There were plenty of smiles on faces throughout the evening.
“On both an organisational and individual level, we are surrounded by support in this manner, and it means a lot when we only make up a small portion of the Force.”
As for his colleagues within this minority, Ayman added: “Sometimes, I take opportunities to stand together with my fellow Specials, and leading them continues to be a huge honour for me.
“Ramadan represents a time where I can stand together with my fellow Muslim officers and staff. Even though it means something different to each of us, to be seen within our profession is something we will always value greatly.”
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