7 Ways to Accommodate Muslim Colleagues During Ramadan
Ramadan marks the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Regarded as one of the holiest months for Muslims all over the world, this month is about devotion, spirituality, and reflection.
Each day, we begin fasting with the sun’s rising, and break our fast when the sun sets. Ramadan lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. At the end of the month and upon the moon’s sighting, Muslims come together to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr.
For those who observe, Ramadan is a month of discipline and celebration. The abstinence of food and water is an opportunity for us to think deeper about our spirituality, connection to God, and our global community, especially those less fortunate than us.
Illustration by Liu Liu
Naturally, for many of us living and working in countries where Muslims are minorities, Ramadan can be incredibly challenging. Interrupted sleep, late nights breaking fasts with our loved ones, more time set aside for prayer and reflection, and mornings without coffee all take getting used to.
A month dedicated to slowing down and looking inwards is very much at odds with the Capitalist systems we’ve built and operate in. But there are simple steps that employers and colleagues can take to ensure that their workplaces are inclusive to those who observe Ramadan so that they feel like they are accommodated for, respected, and ultimately belong.
We’re coming to you with first-hand experience! Below are some steps to follow and ones to avoid during this month.
Do…
Greet Muslims at the start of Ramadan. You can say: “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” or even a simple “Happy Ramadan.” This goes a long way!
Say “Eid Mubarak”, which marks the end of Ramadan. It’s a huge deal for Muslims! This simple step demonstrates that you see and recognize your Muslim colleagues.
Be courteous during the days by being flexible with meetings and work deadlines. Make sure to think about options such as swapping shifts or changing working hours to suit their schedule.
Set aside a room for folks to use as a prayer room. This is something to consider even beyond Ramadan.
Be flexible about how and when people spend their lunch hour, and definitely don’t expect your Muslim colleagues to stand around watching you eat.
Plan an Iftar event with your team to allow folks to share a part of their culture and faith with the rest of the team.
Give those practicing the day off for Eid.
Don’t…
Ask us questions such as: “So you don’t even drink water?!” This is a very condescending and ignorant remark. Do your research, there is plenty of information online about Ramadan.
Schedule meetings right before, during, or after iftar, which is when Muslims break their fast. If you’re not sure about the times, simply ask.
Schedule team-wide or company-wide events during the month, especially when food and drinks are involved. Those practicing will most likely not show up, which makes this the quickest way for them to feel excluded.
Feel sorry for us! This takes the agency out of our practice. Remember, Muslims who fast are doing so intentionally and mindfully. We don’t need your pity; we need your respect, compassion, and understanding.
Use these tips and recommendations in your workplace, whether you’re back in the office or working remotely. The point is, fasting over 10 hours a day for a month is challenging, so try and use Ramadan as an opportunity to expand your understanding and inclusivity.
Resources for Further Learning
“Defining Islamophobia: A contemporary understanding of how expressions of Muslimness are targeted”, a report by The Muslim Council of Britain.
Workplace Discrimination Against Muslims, article in OnLabor, a blog devoted to workers, unions, and their politics.
Ramadan in the Workplace: Inclusive Employer Guide from the University of Toronto.
Ramadan tips for non-Muslim friends of Muslims By Fahmida Kamali.
Ramadan In The Workplace: A Guide For Employers from Muslamic Makers.
Coming up Next
Thousand&One is turning one on May 7th! Next month, we will celebrate our first anniversary by spilling the beans on the origins of our name and how it became a guiding principle for the work we do.