How to support Muslims at work during Ramadan
As we approach Ramadan please take the time to support your Muslim coworkers, clients, partners and leaders. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset.
Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat). Muslims also believe fasting helps instill compassion for the food-insecure poor. There are many ways to help support and celebrate Ramadan.
Acts of Kindness and Charity
One of the pillars of Ramadan is charity and is exemplified through the act of giving. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of kindness and extend a helping hand to those in need.
Whether through the distribution of food to the less fortunate or contributing to charitable organizations, Ramadan fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Unity and Community Bonding
Ramadan serves as a unifying force, bringing communities together. Families gather for Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast, and share moments of joy and gratitude.
Mosques become bustling hubs of spiritual activity, hosting various events and fostering a sense of unity among diverse groups of people.
As we approach Ramadan please take the time to support your Muslim coworkers, clients, partners and leaders. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset.
Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat). Muslims also believe fasting helps instill compassion for the food-insecure poor. There are many ways to help support and celebrate Ramadan.
About Ramadan
When is Ramadan?
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Monday, March 11, 2024, and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 depending on the sighting of the moon.
Learning about Ramadan:
Suhoor: Each day, before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called the suhoor. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day.
Fasting: Includes abstaining from eating and drinking.
Iftar: At sunset, families break the fast with the iftar, traditionally opening the meal by eating dates to commemorate Muhammad's practice of breaking the fast with three dates.
Eid Al Fitr: Eid is the festival which marks the end of Ramadan. It is a happy occasion and a day of true thanksgiving for Muslims.
What is Eid al Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr, a three day celebration, concludes the holy month of Ramadan and will begin this year at sundown on April 9. Eid marks the end of Ramadan. It is a happy occasion and a day of true thanksgiving for Muslims. The day begins with giving to charity and prayers in the Mosque, followed by the sharing of celebratory meals with family and friends and the exchange of gifts. As with the start of Ramadan, the exact date of Eid also depends on the sighting of the moon.
If you would like to share well wishes with your colleagues on Eid, you can say: “Eid Mubarak”, which means “Happy Eid.”
How to support Muslims at work during Ramadan
Be curious about what Ramadan means for each Muslim coworker.
People will be celebrating Ramadan in various ways. Understanding how each colleague celebrates is an important part of supporting Muslims at work during this time.
Be flexible with working arrangements and time off for Ramadan.
Supporting Muslims at work means providing options for flexible working and time off. Fasting, coupled with longer nights spent in the community and in worship, will likely have an impact on energy levels. Colleagues can be supported with more frequent rest breaks and more inclusive meeting hours.
Be prepared for annual leave requests for Eid celebrations
Muslim employees may need to ask for time off on relatively short notice and others may request a range of 2-3 days off to make sure they will be off work at the right time.
Create awareness and clearly communicate support of Ramadan in the workplace
Bring the team together to learn more about Ramadan. People on the team may be wondering how to wish their colleagues a happy Ramadan. Incorporate raising awareness so that your entire team can learn more about it and as a way to support Muslims at work.
When possible, be mindful to host other corporate gatherings centered around food and drink outside of Ramadan.
If you are planning a team builder, town hall or conference, consider hosting it during a different time so your Muslim coworkers can partake and enjoy it along with the other employees.
How to celebrate Eid at work
Organize an Eid meal so that people can partake in the celebrations as a team or host an Eid lunch at the office. Collaborate with your muslim teammates to ensure they are comfortable and excited to share the celebration.
Understanding each other’s unique perspectives and beliefs is a way to show kindness and consideration for one another. It can also help provide a sense of belonging in the work setting. Belonging can help people feel psychologically safe to share and express themselves which can make work more meaningful and productive. Will you be acknowledging Ramadan in your work place?
