Celebrating Ramadan
It is nearly the start of Ramadan, one of the most sacred months in Islam, during which Muslims all over the world will observe a month-long fast from dawn until sunset. This holy month is important not only for its spiritual and religious significance but also for its impact on the daily lives of Muslim individuals, especially those who are working during this time.
Our Inclusivity Plus team, a working group at AdviserPlus who meet monthly and discuss opportunities to champion inclusion and ensure it’s always on the agenda throughout the business, asked our colleague Hamza Esmail, to share share an overview of Ramadan and some of the personal things he does.
Hamza’s overview of Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as an act of worship and reflection. By voluntarily refraining from permissible acts, such as eating and drinking, many Muslims see this as an opportunity to develop patience, gratitude and self-awareness, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the blessings in their lives. It is a time for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
Ramadan is also significant because it is the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed, making it a period of increased prayer and reflection.
At the end of Ramadan comes Eid al-Fitr, a celebration marking the completion of the fast. Eid is a time of gratitude, charity, and coming together with family, friends and the wider community.
Some dedicate additional time to prayer, reading and reflecting on the Qur’an, and charitable giving is especially emphasised throughout the month. Supporting those in need – through donations, volunteering, or community initiatives such as food distribution projects – is an important part of the observance.
Family plays a central role during Ramadan. Many families gather to break their fast together at sunset, creating meaningful moments of connection. Children are often included in age-appropriate ways, such as arts and crafts, quizzes, or learning activities that help them understand Ramadan and its significance. Some families attend evening prayers or community gatherings, which further strengthen social bonds and connection.
As the month draws to a close, families prepare for Eid al-Fitr, a joyful celebration marking the end of Ramadan. The day often includes special meals, time with loved ones, wearing new or special clothing and giving charity so that everyone can participate in the celebration.
How can organisations help support colleagues who are observing and celebrating Ramadan?
- Be informed about Ramadan: The first step in supporting employee’s during Ramadan is to learn about it. Make an effort to understand the significance of the month, the reasons for the fast, and the impact it may have on your employees. This knowledge will help to better accommodate their needs during this time.
- Offer flexible working hours: Muslim employees who are observing Ramadan may need to adjust their working hours to accommodate their fasting. Consider offering flexible working hours or allowing employees to work from home during this time to help them manage both their work commitments and religious observances.
- Accommodate time for prayer: Muslim employees need to pray five times a day, and it is important to provide them with a quiet and clean space to do so. If your organisation does not have a prayer room, consider creating one or designating a quiet area where employees can pray. As part of our progressive policy bundles, we have a religious observance policy that can be quickly and easily implemented into your policy set.
- Be mindful of mealtimes: If your organisation provides lunch or snacks during the day, be mindful of this and consider adjusting lunch breaks or providing alternative arrangements to accommodate those who are fasting.
- Show understanding and support: It is important to show your employees that you understand and support their religious observances during Ramadan. Organisations should have Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) high on their agenda. When it comes to EDI strategies, they are essential to organisational health and success, driving bottom-line growth and improving talent recruitment and retention.
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