Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims where fasting is observed from dawn to sunset. Fasting involves abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. It is a time for spiritual reflection and increased worship. Ramadan is expected to begin on April 14th in 2021 and last approximately 30 days. During this time, fasting can cause lack of sleep and energy for Muslim employees. Employers should be flexible with work hours and breaks to accommodate those fasting, and foster understanding among all employees.

1. Supporting Muslim
Employees & Colleagues
RAMADHAN

2. What is Ramadhan?
Ramadan is a sacred month for over 1.8 billion
Muslims across the globe, during which it is
believed the Quran, the literal Word of God, was
revealed to Muhammed (peace be upon him).

3. What is Ramadhan?
Anger
Rudeness
Lying
Cheating
To mark this month Muslims will fast during
daylight hours abstaining from food, drink and
sexual relations.
As one of five pillars (Core Principles /
obligatory actions) of the Islamic faith, it also
involves controlling oneself by abstaining from:
Practising patience and self-reflection to
effectively reset the body physically,
emotionally and spiritually.

4. What is Ramadhan?
During this month Muslims will engage in extra
worship and prayer as well as engaging in many
communal activities.

5. When is Ramadhan?
Ramadhan will start when the new crescent
moon is sighted which is expected to be 14th
April 2021.
It is not uncommon for different communities
and sects to start Ramadhan on different days.
The rules for sighting the moon differ between
different groups within the religion and thus
results in differentiation in starting dates.

6. How long will a fast last?
This year the average fast will be approximately
16 hours, with a start time of circa 4 am and
sunset being after 8 pm.

7. How to support your Muslim employees
Lack of Sleep – During Ramadhan Muslims
observe extra prayers in the evening after
they have opened their fast, they must also
wake up early to close their fast, this can
lead to lack of sleep or a disturbed sleep
pattern.
Lack of energy – As your employees will be
consuming less food, they will naturally
have less energy and concentration levels
will be lower at certain times in the day.
During this time, it is important to be mindful
that your employee may have:

8. How to support your Muslim employees
Everyone will have a different experience, so a
one size fits all approach to Ramadhan will
certainly not work.
Speak to your Muslim Employees to understand
what challenges they may face during the month.
This will allow you to provide them with the best
working environment.

9. How to support your Muslim employees
Be flexible with working hours – some
people may choose to work at different
times when they feel they are most
productive. Allow your employees the
opportunity to have flexible working hours.
Working from home – while many employers
may already be offering this irrespective of
Ramadhan, it can really help those that are
fasting.

10. How to support your Muslim employees
Consolidate breaks / allow rest bites – in a
workplace where flexible / home working is
not an option, consider consolidating lunch
breaks so an employee can have a shorter
day as they may not want a lunch break as
they will not be eating.
Alternatively, there may be occasions where
an employee is not taking any breaks, then
we would encourage you to remind them to
take a break.

11. Ramadhan in the Workplace
For those employers who are not working from
home here are few things to be mindful about
and worth sharing with the entire team.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO HIDE YOUR FOOD
Most Muslims who are fasting are quite
comfortable with people eating around them.
So please try not to be awkward and overly
apologetic, Muslims understand, and they do
not expect you to not have your lunch etc.
They also won’t be offended if you forget they
are fasting and ask them if they are coming to
lunch. If you are planning a work meal, try and
plan something after sunset.

12. Ramadhan in the Workplace
So, you don’t eat for a whole month?
What? You can’t even drink water?
Don’t you get Hungry? Thirsty?
At least you’ll lose weight, right?
DON’T ASK STUPID QUESTIONS
The worst thing anyone can ask someone who is
fasting is the following:
While the above is not an extensive list, they are
the most common questions that most Muslims
find annoying when asked. Of course, Muslims
feel hunger and thirst while fasting, however,
this is a choice they have made and feel quite
strongly about.

13. Ramadhan in the Workplace
DO SOME RESEARCH, AND ASK QUESTIONS?
While the point before asks you to abstain from
being inquisitive, Muslims genuinely like to talk
about Ramadhan.
Try and understand the basics and ask questions
about things you are genuinely unsure about.
Be sincere in your approach and I am sure your
Muslim colleagues will be happy to engage.

14. Ramadhan in the Workplace
NOT ALL MUSLIM ARE OBLIGED TO FAST
Islam provides flexibility in every instance and
when it comes to Ramadhan this means not
everyone is obliged to fast.
There are many reasons why some Muslims
cannot, or do not fast, this could be because of
personal reasons, such as illness, pregnancy, old
age, menstruation etc.
While someone may not be fasting they may still
be engaging in the spirituality of Ramadhan
through prayer and other activities.

15. Ramadhan in the Workplace
GET INVOLVED
Ramadhan is a great opportunity to learn about
your Muslim colleagues, it is a time when they
feel most in touch with their faith.
While you may not be religious or want to fast
for 30 days, getting involved in the festivities
can be great for team building and growing office
culture.
Next are some great ideas on how you can get
involved with the festivities.

16. Ramadhan in the Workplace
Fast for a day – If you feel up to it, why not
try fasting for a day, I am sure your
colleagues will support you and give you all
the tips you need to get through it.
Give it up for Ramadhan – like many
Christians do during lent, use this as an
opportunity to give up something.
Raise Money for Charity – During Ramadhan
Muslims in the UK donate more than £150
Million to charity. You could use Ramadhan
as an opportunity to raise money with your
colleagues for a specific cause.
GET INVOLVED