The month of Ramadan begins...
Ramadan is an important month in the Islamic calendar, and celebrating it is essential for Muslims worldwide.Â
During the next 30 days we will see many organisations playing a crucial role in supporting Muslims to deliver their work whilst fasting.
Your Muslims colleagues will be participating in the month of Ramadan for many reasons. One such reason being that it provides an opportunity for Muslims to purify their souls and increase their devotion to God. Fasting during this month is an act of worship, and it is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. By abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset, it allows the individual to increase their self-discipline and control over their desires.
Celebrating Ramadan helps Muslims to appreciate the blessings of life that they often take for granted. Fasting is a reminder of the value of food and water, and it provides an opportunity for Muslims to empathize with those who are less fortunate.
What can you do to support your colleagues
Here are some top tips on creating an inclusive workplace during Ramadan for employees and co-workers.
- Being able to pray on time
- Accommodate employees who break their fast at work
- Consider condensed hours
- Avoid evening meetings
- think about the comments you make about Ramadan
- be flexible with annual leave
For more detailed description of each of the above points please visit hereÂ
The last ten days of Ramadan
The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), which falls during the last ten days of Ramadan, is considered the most important night of the year. Muslims spend it in prayer and worship, seeking to increase their blessings and earn the pleasure of God.
When is Eid?
Ramadan is based on the Islamic calendar which is lunar. This means Muslims may not know when Eid or Ramadan is until the night before, so if your employee calls the night before to change the date of their annual leave please be understanding.
Glossary?
Fasting: In Islam, fasting is the practice of abstaining, usually from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity.
Iftar:Â This means âbreak fastâ. It is the meal at sunset to break the the fast.
Suhoor:Â Pre-dawn meal before the fast begins for the day.
Ramadan Kareem:Â A greeting that means âgenerous Ramadanâ.
Ramadan Mubarak:Â Another greeting to wish people a happy Ramadan, which means âcongratulations, itâs Ramadanâ.
Sawm: The word used for fasting and one of the ïŽve pillars of Islam.
Salah: Prayer, another of the ïŽve pillars of Islam. Five prayer times are observed throughout the day, the ïŽrst at dawn, then
at noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and night.
