8 Ways to Support Muslim Co-Workers During Ramadan

Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of Friday, February 28th or Saturday, March 1st and will continue for 29-30 days (The timing is based on the moon sightings and cycle.) During this time, Muslims will rise at dawn to eat a main meal (Suhoor), and then fast until sunset. They will also refrain from undesirable habits such as smoking, swearing, gambling, and gossiping.

During Ramadan, many Muslims gather at the mosque and spend several hours reciting the Quran and praying. In addition to the five daily prayers that are part of the core of Islam, Muslims recite special night prayers called the Tarawih & Qiam.

If you’ve ever wondered if you can eat around those who are fasting, or how to show consideration for your Muslim friends and colleagues throughout Ramadan, here are eight practical ways to show your support in the workplace.

1. Do not ask people why they are or are not fasting as this can be an intrusive question where someone would have to explain their faith practices or private medical information.

Those who are pregnant, menstruating or have a health condition are exempt from fasting. Children may fast for small periods of time and typically begin the full fast once they hit puberty.

2. It normally isn’t necessary to avoid eating around those fasting, however it never hurts to ask.   

3. Be aware that Muslim co-workers may need a brief pause from work during prayer times.

1. Some Muslims may be more diligent in their prayer times during Ramadan
2. The Dhuhr prayer time will start around 12:26 – 1:20pm in BC during the Ramadan month and the ASR prayer time starts around 3:20 – 4:47.
3. The time of the prayer generally goes up a minute or so each day so earlier days in the month will have earlier prayer start times
4. The prayer can be done within a time frame of an hour to three hours.
5. The other prayers fall outside of the typical workday during this time period.

4. Be aware that people may be less available for evening events as this is a time for eating, prayers and gathering with family and the Muslim community.

Be mindful that evening sessions during Ramadan may coincide with the time when fasting is broken and a short prayer is performed. The time for breaking fast changes daily based on sunset, gradually getting later as the month progresses. This can impact both staff and clients participating in evening programming.

5. Understand that Muslims experience Ramadan differently. Some may experience dehydration, fatigue, or headaches. Some may appear more introverted due to lower energy levels and the desire to use the time for reflection.

6. Fasting during Ramadan may have health benefits but is not the primary purpose so comparing it to a weight loss strategy or intermittent fasting is not appropriate

Fasting during Ramadan isn’t just about food — it’s a holistic practice that benefits mind, body, and soul. While it has physical effects, like weight loss for some, the most important part is the spiritual growth, so calling it a diet misses the bigger picture.

7. Learn a Ramadan Greeting

1. Ramadan Kareem (means ‘generous Ramadan’, and is said to others as a blessing; as if you’re saying ‘may Ramadan be generous to you’)
2. Ramadan Mubarak (can mean ‘honoured Ramadan’ and can be translated as ‘Happy Ramadan’. It is something you say to politely greet one during the sacred month of Ramadan to wish them well during the fasting and prayers and to invoke blessings upon their endeavour)
3. Happy Ramadan

8. Learn more about Ramadan to better understand the reasons behind it and the experience.