MUSLIMS across Scotland are about to enter their second Ramadan in lockdown.

But many are still shielding, isolating or in financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic.

Glasgow Afghan United (GAU) has distributed bumper food parcels with two weeks’ worth of supplies to 100 struggling households to ensure they have what they need to fast and feast during this important time.

Some of those supported have been out of work for eight months and have joined GAU’s regular food aid list.

That service began when the first lockdown started one year ago.

But it is feared others facing hardship have not sought the help they need.

As the holy month begins, GAU is urging households to come forwards in confidence – and asking those more fortunate to donate their time or money to support its work.

Director Abdul Bostani said: “Ramadan is a time for all of the Muslim community to come together.

"GAU is here to help, regardless of your background.

“A lot of people are experiencing extensive difficulty but are not talking to anyone about it.

"There will be people around Glasgow who are embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help even though their troubles are no fault of their own.

"We will respect your dignity – talk to us in confidence and we will help you.”

During Ramadan Muslims fast in daylight hours, feast after sunset and focus on charity, with participants required to give a portion of their income to others who are experiencing hardship.

Households currently supported by GAU – which uses sport and education to create strong, confident communities – include families left out of work for as long as eight months due to lockdown measures and unable to afford to power their homes and fill their fridges.

GAU’s packs of rice, meat, fruit and vegetables have been super-sized for Ramadan and include items like dates and lamb mince, which are traditionally eaten over the period.

Each pack is designed to last a larger household for two weeks.

Recipients will be given a second delivery to take them right through until Ramadan ends in mid-May.

The packages are provided thanks to the generous backing of funders including Foundation Scotland, Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Refugee Council, ng Homes, the Big Lottery and Mears Group.

Abdul added: “We are very grateful to all the organisations which help us to provide food aid, language and skills classes, and support groups to the community.

“Charity is at the heart of Ramadan, when wealthy people consider the lives of those without wealth and give donations to help them.

"We would ask everyone to consider giving to GAU to support the work we do with men, women and children in our city all 52 weeks of the year.

"We’d also be delighted to welcome new volunteers to help expand our work and reach as many people as possible.

“GAU would like to wish all everyone a blessed and safe Ramadan.”

For more information about GAU, to make a donation or to find out more about volunteering, see www.glasgowafghanunited.org.uk or visit our Facebook page.