As we are preparing for Ramadan, Zahra Niazi, Strategic Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Bradford Council, shares some tips for colleagues working with Muslims and for Muslims who continue to work during the period.

What is Ramadan?

I love Ramadan. It is a time for reflection, spiritual reset, establishing new habits and letting go of that which no longer serves us.  Most Muslims use this time for extra spiritual activity such as reading the Qur’an (the holy book) making supplications and engaging in extra prayers.  It is a time where we nourish and take care of ourselves the way Allah (God) has made us, primarily as eternal spiritual beings.

Ramadan is observed by Muslims all over the world, usually for the period of 29 to 30 days based on the lunar calendar.  Ramadan moves 10 days earlier each year, which is why it does not take place in the same month or time of each year.  Muslims during this month will abstain from food and drink (amongst other things) from sunrise to sunset.

Below are some tips for colleagues working with Muslims and for Muslims who continue to work during this period.

Tips for staff working with Muslim colleagues

Be mindful when arranging meetings. Note that colleagues who are fasting may have been up all night for prayers as well as to set the intention of the fast in the early hours of the morning and eat, resulting in reduced attention span or extra tiredness at some point during the day. Everyone’s body is different; some will prefer working early or later so please ask what time works best for them.

Not everyone fasts. Islam is a disciplined religion, but it isn’t designed to be hard; women who are on their period or pregnant, those on essential medication or have long term health conditions, children and the elderly do not need to fast.  Of course, people may still want to, but this needs to be carefully considered and the risks managed.

What, not even water? Yes, not even water! People who fast abstain from food, drink including any medication that needs to be taken orally during sunrise to sunset. However, injections are fine, again those who wish to fast even if they don’t need to, must consult with their imam and doctor to ensure risks are being managed. 

You will not offend anyone if you forget and offer food or drink or eat in front of someone who is fasting.  Just move on!

Be flexible. Although all Muslims observe Ramadan based on the lunar calendar, they will generally follow their nearest moon sighting committee; usually Morocco or Saudi Arabia, which sometimes leads to starting Ramadan and celebrating Eid- Ul- Fitr (the Islamic celebration, meaning celebration of breaking of the fast) on different dates too.  

The last 10 days of Ramadan also have extra significance, Muslims will tend to increase their efforts during this period and may also request additional flexibility or leave. 

Depending on the time of year Ramadan falls into, prayers may be closer together or more dispersed throughout the day, Muslims in this case may also request the opportunity to pray or for prayer arrangements.

Find out more. There are lots of ‘iftar events’ – iftar gatherings are events hosted to break bread together at the time in which the sunsets; the time of breaking fast, and these happen locally and are usually open to all.  Why not attend one? 

The Open Iftar is delivered in partnership with the Ramadan Tent Project and it takes place every year in Bradford.  This year it will be held at the Bradford Cathedral on Thursday 23 March. 

If you are feeling extra adventurous and want to really immerse yourself in the experience you can also register to volunteer at the Open Iftar.

Tips for Muslim colleagues

Plan ahead. Consider what has worked for you in previous years, if you need to book annual leave or ask for flexible working options agree this with your manager ahead of Ramadan, so you can decide how you can continue working at your optimal. Speak to colleagues too, so they can support you as best as they can during this month.

Consider whether you need to fast, seek advice from someone such as your local imam, family members or Muslim friends if you are not sure.

Eat well. Consider nutritional food that will keep you full for longer periods of time such as porridge and oatmeal rather than greasy fatty meals and avoid things like caffeine.

Zahra Niazi 

If you’re struggling during Ramadan and want to talk to someone about your mental health, you can call our free helpline Guide-Line on 08001 884 884, any day from 8am until 12am (midnight). If you’d rather not speak on the phone, you can talk to us via live chat.