Poet and writer Hussain Manawer is set to publish From Sunrise to Sunset, a deeply personal collection of poetry, reflections and stories inspired by Ramadan and the celebration of Eid.
Bringing together Hussain's distinctive poetic voice with contributions from 32 writers, artists, campaigners and public figures, the book offers a diverse portrait of the holy month, exploring the many ways people experience faith, family, identity and belonging.
Written over the course of Ramadan, the collection follows Hussain on an intimate spiritual journey, beginning with memories of his childhood in East London before taking readers to Medina and Makkah, where he undertakes Umrah and later performs a pilgrimage in honour of his late mother.
Moving beyond the familiar associations of fasting and abstinence, From Sunrise to Sunset explores the wider meaning of Ramadan, reflecting on discipline, spirituality, grief, health, community and the relationships that connect people.
Among the contributors is Mahfuza Salam, professionally known as Mahfuzzy, a 24-year-old East London-born rapper and advocate living with the rare skin condition Harlequin ichthyosis. In conversation with Hussain, she shares the challenges of fasting when going without water can cause dehydration and exacerbate her condition. Having spent the first months of her life in intensive care, Mahfuza reflects on survival, gratitude and the strength she finds in her faith, while recognising the importance of putting her health first.
Musician Leondre Devries, best known as one half of Bars and Melody, also shares his experience of observing Lent while Hussain observes Ramadan. As their periods of fasting coincide, the close friends support one another, offering an insight into how shared experiences can deepen understanding between different faiths.
The collection also features contributions from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who reflects on his childhood experiences of Ramadan in Tooting and how the holy month has become an increasingly visible part of London's cultural landscape. From the Ramadan lights illuminating the capital to Open Iftars held at landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge and the Royal Albert Hall, his contribution celebrates the ways Ramadan brings communities together.
Omar Salha, Founder and Chief Executive of Ramadan Tent Project, explores the importance of belonging and the power of shared experiences in building stronger communities. Reflecting on the organisation's journey from a student-led initiative to one of the UK's most celebrated community movements, Omar highlights how hospitality and shared meals can bring people together, bridge differences and foster social cohesion.
Across its pages, From Sunrise to Sunset makes space for a wide range of experiences, from children observing their first fasts and athletes balancing faith with physical performance to converts discovering new traditions and people navigating the relationship between their health and religious practice.
By bringing these perspectives together, Hussain creates a collection that goes beyond a single account of Ramadan, highlighting the individuality of faith while celebrating the connections that unite people. It is an exploration of the experiences that are not always seen or heard, encouraging readers to approach different perspectives with greater empathy and understanding.
Reflecting on the book, Hussain describes From Sunrise to Sunset as something he has “always wanted to write”, offering readers an invitation to accompany him through Ramadan and make space for “stories, experiences, faith, love and community to be seen, warmly and gently.”
From Sunrise to Sunset by Hussain Manawer is published by Penguin Michael Joseph on 14th January 2027.
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