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Kingsley Napley wishes our Muslim colleagues and clients Ramadan Kareem.
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, and is observed by billions of Muslims worldwide. This year, the month of Ramadan starts on the evening of 28 February (depending on the first sighting of the new crescent moon) and ends on 30 March. For those observing, it is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, charity and community service and engagement.
A fundamental aspect of Ramadan is fasting (abstaining from food and drink – yes, even water) from dawn until dusk. This year, in the UK, many Muslims will be fasting for approximately 14 hours each day while carrying on with day-to-day responsibilities (work, childcare etc).
This guide provides some information on Ramadan and how it is observed, whilst also providing practical tips for employers and colleagues on how they can be more inclusive and support Muslim colleagues and clients during this month.
- Ramadan is as much a month of spiritual discipline as it physical (fasting). Think of it as a month-long detox of the body, mind, and spirit. During this month, many Muslims would be grateful for the time and space to pray and meditate at certain times during their work day. If your office does not have a committed space already, consider opening up a wellness room, office, or any quiet room for colleagues and clients to use for these purposes.
- Ask your colleagues and clients when they prefer to have meetings. For example, it may be best to schedule longer and more involved meetings in the morning as opposed to later in the afternoon. Additionally, avoiding Friday lunch-time meetings would be helpful as many Muslims observe Friday prayers at the Mosque.
- Some colleagues and clients may request an adjustment to working hours in order to better manage their work and family life. Consider flexible working hours so that employees may work around eating / prayer times. While flexibility is not expected, it is always appreciated.
- At sunset, Muslims will break their fast with dates and water. This time of breaking the fast is called “Iftar” and is usually followed by prayer and a meal. During Ramadan, Iftar is an occasion for family, friends, and the community to get together. For this reason, attendance at after-work events and gatherings may be difficult for Muslim colleagues and clients. If attendance at an event is necessary, consider providing the time and provisions needed for colleagues and clients to break their fast on time.
- Be aware that client availability may differ during the month. You may find that much of client communication will occur later in the night or early in the morning, while being less available / responsive during the afternoons.
- Not all Muslims will be fasting. There are a number of reasons why someone is not fasting, for example, for health reasons, pregnancy, or personal issues. Either way, fasting is a personal choice, so unless someone shares their reasons with you, please do not question why someone is or is not fasting.
- The end of Ramadan is marked with a three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr. During Eid celebrations, Muslims attend prayer, eat traditional foods, exchange gifts, and spend time with family and friends.
- It is important to remember that Islam is not a monolith. Ramadan will be celebrated by an estimated 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide spanning many different countries and cultures. Therefore, traditions celebrating and observing Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr will look different culture-to-culture and family-to-family.
- Reach out to your Muslim friends, neighbours, and colleagues. Questions, conversation, and collective celebration is how we increase awareness and inclusivity in the workplace and beyond. If you have any questions about Ramadan, Islam or the best ways to provide support, always feel free to ask.
- Congratulate Muslim colleagues and clients on the arrival of Ramadan by saying “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem”.
We welcome views and opinions about the issues raised in this blog. Should you require specific advice in relation to personal circumstances, please use the form on the contact page.
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