Ramadan in the workplace: Understanding your Muslim colleagues

Ramadan for me is time for reflection, it’s month that sorts out my health, mind and body. It’s a time I get to see most of family members as (we don’t have the energy left) to do anything else. Plus growing up in west London, which is a diverse community of Muslims, I get the feel the experience of Ramadan with many people.

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, observed by 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. It is the ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar and lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of February 28th and end on the evening of March 29th.

This sacred period is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink (even water), and other physical needs during daylight hours. However, Ramadan is about much more than just abstaining from eating and drinking - it is a time of deep spiritual reflection, self-discipline, prayer, and a renewed focus on generosity and kindness.

Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month in which the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. As a result, it is a time for increased devotion, charitable acts, and striving to become a better person. Many Muslims spend extra time in prayer, reading the Quran, and performing acts of kindness and generosity. One of the key aspects of Ramadan is Zakat (charitable giving), where Muslims donate to those in need to help their communities and uphold the values of compassion and solidarity.

Ramadan isn’t just about fasting it’s a reset for my mind, body, and soul. It’s a time of deep reflection, where my health, thoughts, and priorities realign. It’s also the one month where I see more of my family than usual - partly because we’re all too drained to do much else! Growing up in West London, surrounded by a vibrant and diverse Muslim community, I’ve always felt the collective spirit of Ramadan. From shared iftars to the quiet moments of devotion, the experience is both personal and communal, making this month truly special.

Understanding how to support and respect your Muslim comms colleagues during this significant period can foster inclusivity and harmony in the workplace. Here are some key tips to guide your interactions during this time.

Tips

1. Eat and drink normally, don’t overthink it - While it’s thoughtful to be aware of fasting colleagues, don’t feel you need to hide your food or avoid eating and drinking around them. Many fasting Muslims, including me, prefer that you act normally. When food or drinks are deliberately hidden, it can unintentionally draw more attention to the fast and make us think about it even more.
2. Learn about Ramadan - Taking the time to understand the significance of Ramadan shows respect and builds stronger relationships. Simple questions like “How’s your Ramadan going?” can show you care.
3. Join in celebrations - If your team or organisation hosts an Iftar (the meal to break the fast), consider attending. It’s a great way to show support and learn more about the culture and traditions of Ramadan.
4. Ask for feedback on inclusivity - Consult Muslim employees to ensure Ramadan support efforts are meaningful.
5. Create an inclusive calendar - Incorporate important religious holidays in workplace calendars to avoid scheduling conflicts. Not only for Islam, but all religions.
6. Don’t assume everyone is observing Ramadan - Not all Muslims fast during Ramadan. Age, health conditions, pregnancy, and other factors may exempt someone. Avoid making assumptions or asking intrusive questions.
7. Don’t comment on their fasting - Statements like “I could never do that” or “Aren’t you hungry?” can come across as insensitive. Instead, acknowledge their dedication with respect.
8. Don’t forget about Eid - Ramadan concludes with a celebration called Eid al-Fitr. Be aware of this festive day and allow your colleagues time off to celebrate if needed. A simple “Eid Mubarak” (Happy Eid) greeting goes a long way.
9. Don’t only practice inclusivity during Ramadan - While Ramadan is a time that highlights the values of kindness, generosity, and understanding, these principles should extend beyond the month. Inclusivity, respect, and consideration for different cultural and religious observances should be a year-round effort. Creating a workplace culture where everyone feels valued, regardless of their beliefs, is the goal.

Plus, here is some key terminology to also help you during Ramadan:

Suhoor (سحور) – The pre-dawn meal before fasting begins. It is encouraged for sustaining energy throughout the day.

Iftar (إفطار) – The meal at sunset that breaks the fast, traditionally starting with dates and water.

Taraweeh (تراويح) – Special nightly prayers performed during Ramadan, usually in congregation at the mosque.

Tahajjud (تهجد) – A voluntary night prayer, often prayed in the last third of the night, highly encouraged during Ramadan.

Laylatul Qadr (ليلة القدر) – Known as the Night of Power, it falls in the last 10 nights of Ramadan and is considered the holiest night when the Quran was first revealed. Worship on this night is said to be more rewarding than 1,000 months.

Dua (دعاء) – Supplication or personal prayer, highly emphasized during Ramadan.

I’tikaf (اعتكاف) – A spiritual retreat in the mosque, usually observed in the last 10 days of Ramadan, where a person dedicates time to worship and reflection.

Zakat (زكاة) – A mandatory charitable donation of a portion of one’s wealth, often given during Ramadan.

Sadaqah (صدقة) – Voluntary charity given to help those in need.

Zakat al-Fitr (زكاة الفطر) – A special charity given before Eid prayers to help those in need celebrate the occasion.

Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر) – The festival marking the end of Ramadan, celebrated with prayers, feasting, and giving charity.

Takbeer (تكبير) – The declaration of "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest), often recited on the nights leading up to Eid

Ramadan is about more than just fasting - it is a period of reflection, self-discipline, generosity, and becoming a better person. By practicing these tips, you can create a supportive and understanding environment for your Muslim comms colleagues during Ramadan.

Inclusivity is about respect and awareness, and small gestures of understanding can leave a lasting positive impact.