Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered one of the most spiritual times of the year and signifies the time during which the Qur’an (Holy book for Islam) was revealed. It comprises one of the 5 pillars (the five tenets that uphold Islamic belief in practice) that practising Muslims observe: fasting. Although, it should be noted not all Muslims will be able to fast. Those suffering with physical, mental health, those menstruating or travelling are not expected to fast, but they are just as valid in their expression of faith. They are still able to partake in spiritually observing Ramadan, through prayer, charity and community connection.
Fasting is not just the act of refraining from food and drink (yes, even water), it is a spiritual cleansing. It’s a time of introspection, a focused action on patience and prayer, a stillness of the mind, filled with goodness, gratitude, and spiritual aptitude. Throughout the world, millions of Muslims will observe fasting during the month of Ramadan, and this will impact many Muslims at work. Many Muslims find Ramadan is a time where their usual spiritual practice increases, whilst other Muslims find Ramadan is a time to connect more with their faith than they do at other times of the year. This is part of everyone’s own journey that employers should be sensitive to.
This year, Ramadan is predicted to start on 23rd March 2023, however, this could be subject to change, depending on the sighting of the moon. This is because the Islamic calendar is lunar and follows the phases of the moon. As such, months begin with the first crescent of a new moon, and the new day begins after sunset. Ramadan lasts between 29-30 days and this year is predicted to end on 21st April 2023, but this could also change depending on the sighting of the moon. Fasting Muslims will refrain from food and water from sunrise to sunset throughout this time. This means during the longer Spring/Summer days this could range from 12-18 hours depending on where you live.
The last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims will make extra efforts on worship and acts of goodness, some will aim to finish completing a reading of the Qur’an, while others will give more to charity. At the end of the Ramadan, Muslims celebrate one of their major holidays, called Eid-ul-Fitr, which involves a special prayer and sermon in the morning followed by a community celebration. The day is spent in gratitude, socialising, eating and reuniting with friends and family. The night before Eid is also considered special where Muslims will spend time in worship, spending time preparing for Eid, including sending gifts to the poor and needy.
Remember that different people will be celebrating Ramadan in various ways. Supporting Muslims at work during this time is not just thinking about what to say to someone fasting for Ramadan, it’s about showing an understanding and considering how you can support individuals. Here are some ways to support Muslims at work during Ramadan:
There is a strong connection between workplace support and retention rates. Muslims are more likely to stick with employers who are supportive of Ramadan. This begins with discussion and understanding the needs of your Muslim employees. Having workplace policies and making gestures through internal emails, webinars, or articles are great ways to get started. Be curious! Be open to learning and wanting to know more about the religion, Ramadan, and the history of it all. Things to say:
“Happy Ramadan” or “Ramadan Mubarak” – it simple, it means a lot and goes a long way.
“What do you look forward to the most during Ramadan?”
“How can we support you?”
One way employers can help their Muslim employees is allowing them to leave for prayer. Praying on time is very important for Muslims, especially during Ramadan. Being able to leave for 5 minutes, even when it’s busy, without being bombarded with questions or judgment will help your Muslim employees feel less stressed.
Sleep schedules tend to be a little off during Ramadan with sleep being later, waking up at dawn and then go back to sleep; this makes 9am starts a bit tricky. Some people may prefer taking a shorter lunch break and finishing work a little earlier too. While here at Advancing Analytics we are a remote company, other companies should be mindful for working from home, offering options for flexible working and time off during Ramadan. Fasting will likely have an impact on energy levels, coupled with longer nights spent in community and worship. Colleagues can be supported with more frequent rest breaks and more inclusive meeting hours. The last ten days of Ramadan being the most sacred of the month, requests for leave should be taken into consideration.
Although you may not mean it with ill intent, comments like “I want to fast so I can lose weight” can be seen as rude. Ramadan is a religious tradition and a time meant for reflecting on and being grateful for the life God has given you. Also refrain from saying comments like:
“I’m sorry you have to do this”.
“Are you forced to fast?”
Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan; it is a time where we feel more connected to God, our families and friends, we join together to celebrate and we step away from consumerism and material objects to appreciate life and feel more spiritually connected with those around us. While this is a month of fasting, this is also a month of looking within oneself. Be mindful that not all employees will be fasting during the month.
Muslim Census found that Muslim women were 40% less comfortable asking for Ramadan adjustments compared to men, with women including non-Muslims, not being represented in managerial roles, it is important to be able to provide the support needed to every colleague. Everyone within Islam, will have a different relationship and approach to their faith. Be mindful not to assume your employee’s needs, cultivate meaningful connections with your employees and provide opportunities where they can openly and safely discuss their needs with you.
Written by Sahil Osman