Tips to be supportive towards your Muslim colleagues and friends during Ramadan

01 March 2023 , 10:14

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A Muslim women college taking part in a work meeting (Image: Getty Images)

Across the UK, thousands of Muslims will be taking part in fasting from mid-March to mid April this year, alongside their jobs.

For Muslims, Ramadan is considered to be a holy month where Muslims abstain from food and drink between dawn and dusk. As well as this, Muslims will make an extra effort in being more charitable and praying.

Taking a few steps to support your Muslim colleagues during Ramadan will allow your colleagues to feel more respected and valued.

Muslim businesswoman having a meeting with her colleagues in a boardroom (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Be considerate

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During Ramadan, Muslims are likely to be waking up earlier in the morning for Suhoor and fasting during daylight hours. As a result, this may affect their productivity levels throughout the day, particularly during the end of the day when they may be most tired.

For many Muslims this can be most difficult during the first 10-days of fasting, as it takes time to adjust to the new routine.

Being considerate of colleagues who are fasting, supporting them during the month and making adjustments to meeting schedules can ease the working day for them.

Be aware of prayer breaks

During Ramadan or throughout the year you may notice your Muslim colleagues go for short breaks to pray.

Muslims are obligated to pray five times a day, and depending on the work day schedule this can be two or three times a day. Being aware of this and giving your colleagues time to pray as well as a quiet space to pray is very important.

Muslim's are required to pray five times a day (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Don’t worry about eating secretly

Whilst it is very thoughtful, Muslims who are fasting don’t want you to stop eating around them because they are fasting. They are used to this and it is part of the Ramadan experience for them.

However, colleagues and friends should be mindful and not ask too many questions about food.

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Don’t be afraid to ask questions

You might be embarrassed for not knowing a lot about Ramadan, but many Muslims are aware of this and welcome questions.

However, just be mindful of what you are asking and remain respectful. Many Muslims love talking about their Ramadan experience because it is a time that is looked forward to throughout the year.

Muslim colleague in a group meeting during Ramadan (Getty Images)

Don’t ask why someone isn’t fasting

There are many reasons why someone may not fast during Ramadan such as during pregnancy, illness or travel. Muslim women also do not fast whilst on their period and may not want to publicly disclose this to everyone.

If you notice a colleague who is not fasting, it is best not to ask them unless they bring up the topic themselves.

Ramadan is not just about fasting

Those who are not able to fast may still choose to take part in other ways of worship. Such as praying more and charitable events or giving charity. Some Muslim women or men may choose to dress more modestly, or adopt a more positive behaviour during the Ramadan.

Being aware that for each muslim, the goals and ways they practise during Ramadan can be different is important.

Muslim's opening their Iftar together during the month of Ramadan (Getty Images)

Be aware of annual leave

Closer towards the end of the month and Eid-Ul-Fitr (the celebration to mark the end of Ramadan), Muslim colleagues may take annual leave as their worship will intensify.

Having this discussion earlier with colleagues and being accommodating towards their needs will ensure less clashes and issues occur.

Celebrate with your colleagues

Finally, wish your colleagues and friends a Happy and generous Ramadan this year. You can say ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ or ‘Ramadan Kareem’ which means Happy Ramadan or generous Ramadan.

You can also take your friends and colleagues out during Iftar time and celebrate together at a time when all colleagues will be able to eat.

Shawaz Ahmad