how to support someone during ramadan

if(currentUrl.indexOf("/about-shrm/pages/shrm-china.aspx") > -1) { If Everyday Feminism has been useful to you, please take one minute to keep us alive. When it comes to Ramadan, fasting is a ritual shared by nearly all. The most sacred month in the Islamic calendar year has begun with 1.6 billion Muslims currently fasting from sunrise to sunset and increasing their spirituality for the next 30 days. Muslims believe that God is very forgiving and that people are especially receptive to His forgiveness during the month of fasting. What Ramadan means, and how to support our Muslim community Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and have empathy for those in the world who are hungry and less fortunate. Learn what to do if you experience diarrhea during a fast, including when to stop fasting, treatment options, and when to see a doctor. And yes, there are exceptions encoded into Islamic practice regarding Ramadan and fasting. Last medically reviewed on April 9, 2021. "At a time when being an openly practicing Muslim in the United States can be dangerous, Earnest has made our space warm, inviting, and adaptable to all my needs.". On a personal note, one of my friends asked if there were wishes Id prefer to hear or not hear from a non-Muslim person. Fasting is a part of many faith traditions, and it varies in its practice and purpose. I believe our spiritual journeys are personal a matter between us and our Creator. We avoid using tertiary references. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. (2004). Some say PB2 powdered peanut butter is a great low-calorie option for peanut butter lovers, while others warn about removing healthy fats. In addition, twisting it to be about weight supports a culture of, And if you see a colleague washing more than just their hands in the bathroom, leave them be and try not to stare (because staring at us washing is even weirder than us trying to lift our feet up to a public bathroom sink). Dear Beloved Reader, we're going to be real with you. Providing a space to pray, even if it's a meeting room, is one way to truly show support during Ramadan. When Ramadan falls during the summer and the period from dawn to sunset is much longer, Muslims can fast from about 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. A little understanding from managers and co-workers. Its certainly not easy, but its not supposed to be. When fasting during Ramadan, Muslims dont eat or drink from sunrise to sundown. Magazines, Digital In line with the long history of fasting in the Abrahamic faiths, Muslims fast from dusk until dawn during the month of Ramadan, which occurs in the ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar and lasts between 29 to 30 days (dates may vary due to moon-sighting, and the length of fasting may change based on an observer's location).Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam as well as one of the . While sweets during Ramadan can be very tempting, try to choose foods with high water content instead. Fridays are very special for Muslims. Your session has expired. However, moaning loudly in ecstasy while drinking a cold, refreshing milkshake on a scorching hot day and passive-aggressively lamenting that your Muslim colleague/co-worker/friend in front of you cant appreciate the dairy glory is definitely not recommended and a sure-fire sign you might be a terrible human being. - Wajahat Ali, Creative Director of Affinis Labs, Since fasting means no eating or drinking for Muslims during Ramadan, that means as the day goes by a fasting Muslims energy gets lower and lower. Being open about Ramadan can also help employees plan their meetings during the morning, when fasting Muslims have more energy. As one person put it, its the human thing to do. Its not always easy, and yes, towards the end of our fast our stomachs are usually gurgling but feel free to tuck into your lunch in front of us. Taunting, testing or tempting a person observing a fast is not just childish; it is inconsiderate and disrespectful. Muslim women don't fast when they are on their periods and since menstrual cycles don't make for the best office chatter, you might not want to publicly point out when a woman isn't fasting. I love the traditional foods offered at gatherings during special religious holidays such as Eid and Navroz. The discounts or special Ramadan packages are usually for consumer products like milk, sugar, cooking oil, dates, rice, millet flour, oats, fruits and so on. Ive mentioned it to a number of business owners in person, but Im putting it out there. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting in Islam and we believe thats the month the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad and mankind. Our site uses cookies. Ramadan is usually a time of community, so many may feel the isolation a bit more since mosques are closed. "In a world where multiculturalism is growing rapidly, educating others is part of creating a welcoming culture of diversity and inclusion both in and outside the workplace," Baig, a Muslim employee with the financial services company Earnest, wrote in a Chronic constipation in the elderly: a primer for the gastroenterologist. Eda Uzunlar Enlarge this image Over 3.45 million Americans celebrate the Islamic holy month - here are a few tips to get you acquainted! And learn more about thin privilege here. Blau JN. What is Ramadan and what are the rules people follow for fasting during Nakamura Y, et al. As we make the intention each morning to stick to our fast, we know that those around us will be eating and drinking, and we really dont mind at all. Water-deprivation headache: A new headache with two variants. One of those awkward situations is when someone discloses that theyre on their period and thats why theyre not fasting. (2012). 1. Islam is a religion of 1.57 billion followers, many of whom fast during Ramadan, so this practice is pretty normal for approximately a quarter of the worlds population. This year, the first day of Ramadan's sunrise-to-sunset fasting began at sunrise on Thursday, March 23, and lasts until the evening of Thursday, April 20. It may be with good intention that you wish to give something up in solidarity, but Ramadan is not the same as Lent, nor is it a New Years Resolution. 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How to support your Muslim friends during Ramadan The actual significance of this month and how one engages with it will vary person to person, as it should because experiences of faith and spirituality are intensely individualized, even if we engage in religious practices shared by nearly 1.6 billion Muslims around the world. Qureshi recommends breaking the fast by eating a date, some fruit, and drinking some water. The month often begins with an optimistic energy, and practitioners may set many spiritual goals. Salam (Peace). Theres a difference between appreciation and appropriation. However, if you are asking and expecting a dissertation-level response or even a response that can be provided by a quick Google search please remember that not every Muslim knows all the rules of Islam or has answers to your questions about Ramadan. 4 ways to support Muslim friends and family and counter Islamophobia However, its always appreciated when you do [apologize]. Flexibility is particularly important during Eid ul-Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan. Unless a Muslim adult is absent-minded (forgetful) or not fully intent on observing the fast, we generally know how to restrain ourselves. Have other ideas or suggestions? The end of Ramadan is marked with the sighting of the crescent moon, marking Eid-al-Fitr, which will be in mid-April. So lets focus on the true purpose, shall we? It can seem judgmental of their religious practice (or lack thereof) if theyre simply choosing not to fast. During the time, Muslims are encouraged to fast of food . @Accorhotels be proud of Ibis Dublin. During Ramadan, the fast helps believers purify their hearts, renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and increase self-discipline. If youre hosting an event with food, consider making takeaway packs available for Muslim guests especially if it is a paid event. I hope that this article makes you laugh while also encouraging you to think more critically about how you operate in solidarity with Muslims, particularly during the month of Ramadan. Passionate about writing, she strives to use her evidence-based pharmacy knowledge to promote health and wellness. To a degree, calling people out on how Muslim, observant or otherwise you think they are borders on judgment and can actually be a deterrent for someone sincerely wanting to be a better Muslim or person during Ramadan. InshAllah, you will get the full blessings of your efforts. "They can still do their jobs; they don't need tasks taken from them.". "It varies by person, but typically Muslims do not mind others eating around usit doesn't offend or bother us," Mitchell said. Don't be afraid to ask questions. However, its a spiritual state of mind. Not to mention the fact that Muslims always seem to be extending invitations to feast during religious occasions; we hardly get an invitation and it can feel quite one-sided by way of inter-faith respect and tolerance. Happy Ramadan Wishes: 40 Greetings and Messages to Send - Newsweek 1. He explained that Muslims participating in Ramadan witness their children eating in front of them, as young kids are excluded from fasting. Some have failed and others have succeeded in fasting the entire day! This is especially important during Ramadan. Not drinking enough water can result in poor mood and increased tiredness. Many Muslim employees still want to feel included in workplace activities. Ramadan falls at a different time each year because . Please dont make lunch plans this month, but were always up for a late dinner! - Emaan Moosani, Program Director, Muslim Community Network, Rather than quizzing Muslims about dealing with everything they cannot do, ask them about what Ramadan means to us. (2020). For those who dont actually know any Muslims or Islam, Ramadan is an opportunity to have an honest conversation with a Muslim. A media and international development professional and economist by training, she combines her business, communications and project management expertise with her strong passion for Africa. Giving to those less fortunate is encouraged all year round, but during Ramadan, charity is particularly important and helps us recognise our blessings. In saying that, if youre making plans to go out and eat, try not to pressure your Muslim friend or co-worker to join you. Another I have just come across but never used is the South-Africa based Africa Muslims Agency. Ramadan 2023: How to support employees, friends and colleagues in the "By and large, it's a period of time people look forward to every year despite the self-deprivation," Hooper added. Some may be premised in the faith tradition, and others may be entirely personal. You might be embarrassed by the lack of knowledge, but most Muslims welcome questions from colleagues and friends. Sheis committed to centering queer and trans communities of color in justice work, particularly within the fields of psychology and higher education, and is passionate about creating and furthering radical, revolutionary love. However, theyll need to closely monitor blood sugars and blood pressure, ensure adequate hydration, and adjust the timing of their medications. (2013). Good nutrition. During Iftar drink plenty of water . $('.container-footer').first().hide(); However, it can be easy to falter as you try to maintain your health while fasting and balancing your regular day-to-day responsibilities. However, my family and I always try to be mindful of portions, as our cultural foods can be very oily and heavy. On top of all the challenges that are built into the month, Americas 3.3 million Muslims are entering Ramadan this year against a backdrop of political and social tensions. NB: With COVID-19 ongoing, essentials like hand-washing soap, hand sanitisers, and face masks would make a great Ramadan gift or donation. For the price of a single lunch out, you can help save us. Found this useful? You can be part of it by hosting an iftar. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Thank you for helping me to understand Ramadan better! I know lots of non-Muslims that have joined in to experience what its like for a Muslim to fast. These conversations allow Baig to help colleagues broaden their perspective and learn about different cultures. Use the time before sunrise and after sunset as an opportunity to rehydrate and meet the recommended water intake. But if you ask, most Muslims will tell you Ramadan is their favorite month and that they readily take in all the challenges in excitement and good faith. Special thanks to Dee Mandiyan for their help with this article! Mitchell has noticed that some non-Muslim employees feel bad for their Muslim co-workers who are fasting and give them fewer job responsibilities. Please note that all such forms and policies should be reviewed by your legal counsel for compliance with applicable law, and should be modified to suit your organizations culture, industry, and practices. Kids Are Balancing Fasting and School During Ramadan. How to Support Them Narrative review of hydration and selected health outcomes in the general population. Riebl SK, et al. It can also be helpful to pay attention to the foods youre eating. If you do decide to organise an iftar or feed a fasting person, this quote from Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) may be of interest: Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without any reduction in his reward. (Tirmidhi). So, Ill be honest. For one thing, Muslims believe that the very first man Adam was created on a Friday. The occasion also involves prayer, acts of charity and introspection. hide caption. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Please log in as a SHRM member before saving bookmarks. In fact, the same thing happened this year, when I was counting down to Ramadan and even after I shared my article on what Ramadan entails. To ensure youre avoiding cultural/religious appropriation, commit to learning about Islam and Ramadan intentionally and respectfully. What our favorite memories are, how we love to celebrate during this month. Many Muslims in the U.S. prefer a daytime work shift during Ramadan so that they may break the fast with their families and attend evening prayers. This was going to be the first suggestion on how we can better support Muslim friends and colleagues observing Ramadan. Can you enable the team to work the hours that suit them best . These words can convey awareness of Ramadan and kindness to Muslim employees during this time, he noted. We make an intention each day to adhere to the fast despite urges to do otherwise. This is actually a pretty invasive question. } Giving charity is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the testimony of faith, prayer, fasting and performing Hajj. We would each bring lunch and share with one another. But there are a few things you can do to help support your Muslim friends and co-workers during Ramadan trust me, theyll appreciate it. and avoid shutting down. This by far has been the most consistent response from non-Muslims whenever Ramadan rolls in. Supporting Muslim Employees During Ramadan, New OSHA Guidance Clarifies Return-to-Work Expectations, Trump Suspends New H-1B Visas Through 2020, Faking COVID-19 Illness Can Have Serious Consequences, To Reach DE&I Goals, Dont Forget About Equity and Inclusion, Inclusive vs. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital In addition, you can create awkward situations for both that person and yourself. Please, spare us the reaction of extreme shock and disbelief. Connect with her on LinkedIn. "It is a time of intense devotion and spiritual practice.". It extends to refraining from sexual activity, smoking, and even to jealousy, anger, or other negative thoughts. $(document).ready(function () { 7 Easy & Simple Ways To Support Muslim Friends In Ramadan Some things to keep in mind include the following: We may be tired and/or cranky (even hangry) from lack of sleep, food, and water. Instead, she recommends eating whole grains paired with healthy fats and proteins as well as fruits and veggies. And, those who are menstruating dont fast either. De Giorgio R, et al. Here are 40 Ramadan greetings and messages you can. Yes, this includes water. Ive seen this happen in majority Muslim countries like Senegal and more religiously diverse African countries like Cte dIvoire and Nigeria. But simple carbohydrates will not provide long-term energy.. They said ok, please come down at 2.30 am. The very best of The Latch delivered straight to your inbox. Supporting Muslim colleagues during Ramadan | TUC It's a lovely way of acknowledging the month, even if you aren't Muslim. I think that this warrants a bit more thoughtfulness before engaging with this language in order to avoid, It may be with good intention that you wish to give something up in solidarity, but Ramadan, So often, we highlight the importance of recognizing impact regardless of intent; Islam teaches that actions are judged by intention (. Thank you for sharing your experience and for being supportive of your Muslim colleague! For example, colleagues and managers can wish Muslim workers a "happy, blessed and successful Ramadan," Imtiaz said. 6 ways you can help your Muslim friends during Ramadan
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