For the next 30 days, Muslims across the world will be observing the holy month of Ramadan. Islamic institutions have reported sightings of the crescent of the new moon and it has been announced that many will begin their fast on Thursday (March 23).
This means that until April 21, Muslims will be abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sun set and will will be breaking their fast during the evenings. During this time however, Muslims must carry on with their day to day such as still going to work or school.
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Fasting during Ramadan is considered obligatory for all healthy Muslim men, women and children who have reached puberty. During Ramadan, each day is different for those taking part, some days are harder and some easier depending on your life, occupation and health status.
Sports stars have been some of the most high profile cases over the years. Professional football players such as Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez and Liverpool's Mo Salah still fast on matchdays despite taking part in a physically demanding sport.
Recently the Premier League made headlines when they announced that referees have been told to allow a pause in play so Muslim players can break their fast with liquids, energy gels, or supplements.
For those who have Muslim friends, colleagues or families and thinking of ways to help them get through their days, here are some things you can do.
Regular check ups
Some jobs can be more taxing than others during the month of Ramadan. During the pandemic we saw a number of key workers powering through the days while fasting during the height of a global pandemic.
As with most things in life, a check up and chat goes a long way, so if you have a colleague or friend who you is observing the holy month, don’t be afraid to give them a tap on the shoulder and as how they’re doing.
Asking questions
During the month of Ramadan Muslims are encouraged to get closer to God by reading the Qu’ran for the 30 days and being on top of their daily prayers. Packed full of knowledge your friend or family member will be more than happy to educate you on the finer points of the religion, no question is silly if it comes from the right place.
Try not to tease your Muslim friends
Muslims do not only abstain from eating food and drink but also from bad habits during the holy month.
Worshipers are encouraged to avoid swearing, gossiping, arguing, fighting or being disrespectful.
The best way to help out someone who hasn’t eaten or drank anything for hours is to maybe refrain from teasing or starting pointless arguments.
Join the Iftar
Iftar is the evening meal in which Muslims end their day of fasting with during Ramadan. It takes place at sunset and is one of the most joyous things about Ramadan.
A table packed with delicious food and a time where every member of the family is at the table tucking into the delicious food there is always more than enough room for one more or two.
Offer time and space for prayers
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims believe that spiritual efforts and good deeds are enhanced in the eyes of Allah. So acts such as prayer, reading the Qu'ran and charity are greatly encouraged during the holy month.
If you haven’t already, try making sure there is a space available for your member of staff to pray at various points throughout the day.
Take part
What better way to show support than to join your Muslim friend as they fast during the holy month. It doesn’t have to be for the full 30 days, but a day or even a week of fasting together can do a lot to boost their morale.
It must be stressed however, that the month of Ramadan is not merely about starving yourself for 30 days. It is a very important time of the year where self-reflection is encouraged and a way for Muslims to develop positive habits and bring themselves closer to Allah.
Work life balance
Keeping with the theme of work, if you are a boss then being considerate of the shifts for staff members during Ramadan could do a lot to help. During Ramadan, Muslims take part in nightly prayers known as Taraweeh.
These special prayers take part late at night and involving long readings of the Qu'ran at the local mosque or at home meaning worshippers often go to bed late at night. With this in mind, for a month you can try giving your staff member later starts or earlier finishes for them to break their fasts to help them during the month.
Being considerate with food
You don't have to hide your food or run away when you're eating and someone who is fasting is around you. However this does depend on the friend, colleague, or partner you're with and their preferences and communication is key.
If you're very conscious of their wellbeing however, simple things like having lunch meetings outdoors with your fasting colleague rather than at a café or restaurant can help.
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