The gesture made her feel appreciated and recognized. . Again, being considerate when scheduling meetings and events will not only help you build a tolerant workplace culture, but will also help enhance productivity of your Muslim colleagues. I don't need anyone to feel guilty or awkward," Nasr said. Weird, I know, but true. And be sure to serve a couple of dates with the meal Muslims break their fast . Dry fasting involves a period of time when you don't eat or drink anything, including water. As a junior high school student, I used to eat with two or three other classmates. Companies can support Muslim employees in simple ways. The natural sugars from the fruit will allow your body to register that you have had food. Here are 40 Ramadan greetings and messages you can. by Neil Payne A best-practice guide for HR professionals on how to support employees observing Ramadan in 2023. Fasting is one of the biggest parts of Ramadan, and observing Muslims prepare their minds and bodies to do exactly that. Use the time before sunrise and after sunset as an opportunity to rehydrate and meet the recommended water intake. The very best of The Latch delivered straight to your inbox. (2015). The hotel said it was rhe least they could do. Drinking water is vitally important and has many health benefits. Because most Muslims are thinking about the hurdles and spiritual challenge they are about to undertake they literally have to earn the feast. Its already Day 5 and the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan! 16th Mar 2023 In 2023, Ramadan will likely begin on Wednesday 22nd march and end on Friday 21 April (depending on moon sightings). 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. I recommend examining your intentions before saying these words. I hope that we will all flex our critical lenses in reflecting on our intentions as well as our actions in order to best support Muslims during the month of Ramadan and beyond. Various Muslim-majority nations in Africa, Asia, and elsewhere use other greetings in their native languages. Take in the new information, but try not to dramatize this norm of ours. Ramadan begins during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar when the new crescent moon is first sighted. Fasting during Ramadan involves not eating food or drinking water between sunrise and sunset for the entire month. Similar to Christmas and Easter wishes, Ramadan has its own greeting. Remember when Beyonce dropped that unannounced album and EVERYONE lost their damn minds? Fasting during Ramadan is unique. There are actually a number of reasons Muslims may not be fasting. Instead, she recommends eating whole grains paired with healthy fats and proteins as well as fruits and veggies. Please enter your username or email address. We avoid using tertiary references. Need assistance with a specific HR issue? Because its Ramadan and I feel bad for eating in front of her, I googled how I can be supportive of Muslims during Ramadan and this helped a LOT. This includes critical illnesses like those requiring hospitalization, diabetes that requires consistent supply of food and drink to manage blood sugars, and certain cancers. Not drinking enough water can result in poor mood and increased tiredness. Baig has even had colleagues fast for the day alongside her to get a sense of what it's like. The festival can last between one and three days. Dont judge us for still ordering lunch on the office or taking cookies from the break room we can eat it later! It can be as short as 12 hours in southern countries like New Zealand or as long as 18 hours, in places like Iceland. How to support them During the pandemic, Aisha Aslam bought her kids a bounce house, which has been a hit with their. } The month-long observancewhich likely begins the evening of March 22 in 2023sees Muslims fasting from dawn to sunset, reciting verses from the Quran and attending prayer sessions. Here are 8 health benefits of fasting , Sweet potatoes are a popular root vegetable, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. temp_style.textContent = '.ms-rtestate-field > p:first-child.is-empty.d-none, .ms-rtestate-field > .fltter .is-empty.d-none, .ZWSC-cleaned.is-empty.d-none {display:block !important;}'; Be considerate when scheduling meetings and other events during Ramadan. We can help! That doesnt mean they arent observing other facets of Ramadan. They said ok, please come down at 2.30 am. Again, try not to organise meetings that revolve around food and drink something easier said than done, especially in countries like Ghana where most social events revolve around food. 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. Many articles encourage non-Muslims to use the aforementioned greetings to wish Muslims a blessed Ramadan. However, its a spiritual state of mind. We are not a monolith. If anything, youre helping us test those self-restraint muscles were building. 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. Write to Kamakshi Ayyar at kamakshi.ayyar@time.com. If fasting worsens the medical condition, even after modifying the medications schedule, patients should not fast, Alsabaggh says. 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. Liska D, et al. 2) Lunch time provisions Try not to call or text during sundown, because theyll most likely want some quality time with their family during Iftar. Plus, there are many other reasons why Muslims don't fast, like during illness or travel. Despite what the media portrays, the majority of us are not out to kill you. Below, weve gathered 5 pointers on how to best the best support system you can be with your Muslim friends and co-workers during this holy month. So lets focus on the true purpose, shall we? At the very minimum, try to recognise your Muslim customers and clients by sending a simple Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak (read about the difference here). Employment Ramadan: How to support employees, friends and colleagues in the Muslim holy month If you're an employer or just want to make sure you can be there for your friends, colleagues or neighbours, what do you need to know? It is a month of reflection and spiritual devotion as well as a time to gather with family and friends. One of those awkward situations is when someone discloses that theyre on their period and thats why theyre not fasting. The next few weeks are a moment to reflect and work on character development. Here's some poignant, personal advice from Reem Nasr, a Muslim woman in her 20s who has observed Ramadan while working in a corporate office, as well as from Ibrahim Hooper, the communications director at advocacy group the Council on American-Islamic Relations: Many non-Muslims might not know a whole lot about Ramadan, Hooper says. I can't count the number of times I have had to show up for a long, drawn-out meeting during Ramadan. Observing Muslims know this and we prepare our minds and bodies to do exactly that. Observing and celebrating are quite distinct and deserve distinguished greetings. Invite them to iftar (break fast) or dinner on your dime or at your place. Islamophobic political rhetoric has become all too common, and hate crimes against Muslims are spiking. Thank you for helping me to understand Ramadan better! Here are 6 surprising health benefits of sweet, Coke and Diet Coke are popular drinks that contain a hearty dose of caffeine, which people may embrace or want to avoid. Better still, have them join the meeting virtually via phone call or Skype. For example, colleagues and managers can wish Muslim workers a "happy, blessed and successful Ramadan," Imtiaz said. Again, none of this is an Islamic requirement, its just my imagination wondering what if and trying to come up with ideas around how we jumpstart two-way compassion and tolerance in religiously diverse countries like Ghana. There are plenty of physical and mental health reasons reasons why people dont fast, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. Georg Wendt/picture alliance via Getty Images, NOW WATCH: Why potato farmers are stuck with billions of pounds of potatoes, don't fast when they are on their periods, Millions of Muslims are currently observing. Eid ul-Fitr. $("span.current-site").html("SHRM China "); When were working from home, its easy to carry out our prayers, but when were in the office, it can be slightly more difficult, so giving us a safe space makes us truly feel acknowledged. To support your Muslim colleagues, don't be afraid to ask them questions to learn more. The question of Ramadan only Muslims is one that has come across my timeline in one way or another each year, and to be honest, one I probably helped fuel myself in the past. I cant count the number of times I have had to show up for a long, drawn-out meeting during Ramadan. The conclusion of Ramadan is a big holiday called Eid al-Fitr, which lands on May 23 and 24 this year. Some Muslims also call Ramadan "Ramzan," the Persian version of the word. 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. 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. Eda Uzunlar/NPR For about 2 billion Muslims around the. (2020). A billion Muslims around the world are celebrating Ramadan. But 9-to-5 jobs in an office setting often include luncheon meetings or daytime celebrations that involve food. 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). Ramadan starts about 10 to 12 days earlier each year because it is tied to the Islamic calendar, which relies on a lunar calendar in which months are 29 or 30 days long. As a rule, I always ask what meat is part of a meal, since Muslims dont eat pork, ham or bacon (and its products). To begin educating yourself and doing your own research, check out these articles on Vox, The Guardian, FaithStreet, NBC News, and Salon for some great starter resources! Keep a water bottle close throughout the night and drink whenever possible. In previous years for instance, I would make a donation and specify that it go to a conflict or natural disaster affected area like Syria. WITH REPORTING FROM SANYA MANSOOR / NEW YORK. But Muslim workers might not know the exact date of Eid ul-Fitr until hours before it happens, as the celebration depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. Ramadan provides the reward of self-growth and the opportunity to learn more about our religion and ourselves. Baig described how her co-workers invite her on periodic walks during the day rather than to lunch or on coffee runs. This article investigates the differences between purified, distilled and regular water to find out which one is the best choice for hydration. 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. Its certainly not easy, but its not supposed to be. Dear Beloved Reader, we're going to be real with you. Trans & GNC No eating or drinking. Her academic background is in psychology/psychobiology and higher education administration/student affairs. If a Muslim friend or colleague invites you to fast with them, chances are that youre not co-opting a religious practice that isnt your own, but instead are sharing in an experience with someone with whom you have a meaningful relationship and connection. Muslim communities are worried about the safety of their worship spaces and the safety of their children. Fasting is a part of many faith traditions, and it varies in its practice and purpose. This can affect energy levels and memory. Sure Ramadan is about faith but family and community are also interwoven. This is especially important during Ramadan. This is a HUGE business and corporate social responsibility opportunity which so far remains untapped in Ghana. Show respect: One must be tolerant, compassionate and forgiving, as this . The most well-known organisations are Islamic Relief Australia, Muslim Aid and Sadaqa Welfare Fund. Continue to educate yourself around cultural appropriation, why its harmful, and how to avoid it and then apply these principles to religious and spiritual practices that are not your own. Unless a Muslim adult is absent-minded (forgetful) or not fully intent on observing the fast, we generally know how to restrain ourselves. The hydration equation: update on water balance and cognitive performance. Iftar is the name of the meal with which Muslims break their fast at sunset. If you have a meaningful relationship with a Muslim person, then sharing this greeting may be more appropriate. No, not even water. HuffPost posed these questions to a few Muslims in our network. Thank you for sharing your experience and for being supportive of your Muslim colleague! For this, if nothing at all, we need to be humble in our assertions about who a muslim is or isnt. I took one bite and it tasted strange, so I stopped. Sharing. 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. However, the time you take them should be adjusted to fit the fasting schedule of the evening meal and morning meal. Practice self-discipline and self-control: During the month of Ramadan, embrace the community spirit of compassion, self-control and self-discipline. By end of month, most people are completely used to it.". That said, please dont make it your mission to see how observant or otherwise Muslims are. 1. Its certainly a tough physical trial, but there are spiritual and emotional challenges to consider as well. We have welcomed a new staff member who is Muslim and I have learned a lot from her already. "In my experience, usually the first few days are most difficult because your body is adjusting to a new eating schedule," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy executive director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Washington, D.C. "After the first few days, you get normalized to fasting. Thanks, Jemila! The point is: Different people have different preferences. Providing a space to pray, even if its a meeting room, is one way to truly show support during Ramadan. The last 10 days of Ramadan are a particularly trying time since many Muslims stay up all night praying and meditating. However, theyll need to closely monitor blood sugars and blood pressure, ensure adequate hydration, and adjust the timing of their medications. Being open about Ramadan can also help employees plan their meetings during the morning, when fasting Muslims have more energy. I believe our spiritual journeys are personal a matter between us and our Creator. We would each bring lunch and share with one another. The food choices you make will affect your energy throughout the day. You have successfully saved this page as a bookmark. Pandemic or not, it's always a good idea to check in on your practicing friends during Ramadanit will help them feel supported and seen. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. In addition, you can create awkward situations for both that person and yourself. When it comes to Ramadan, fasting is a ritual shared by nearly all. 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. Last medically reviewed on April 9, 2021. Maybe someone else can do physical lifting or moving of items because a fasting person may be low on energy. This might seem like nothing, but it goes a long way. Ramadan is a month of reflection and humility, and its a time to embody these characteristics, within the Muslim community and beyond. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Heres what you need to know about Ramadan, which is considered the holiest month in Islam. If you find yourself in this situation, Qureshi recommends trying out intermittent fasting and ensuring that you hydrate throughout the day. Friday is also the Islamic community worship day; the Muslim equivalent of the Christian Sunday if you will. "They can still do their jobs; they don't need tasks taken from them.". Theres nothing that lifts my spirits more than hearing someone say Ramadan Mubarak, and while it may seem like a small show of appreciation, it goes a long way. But if you're not Muslim, you might still not know exactly what to say (and not say) to Muslim friends, co-workers and colleagues during the month, whether they're fasting or not. Armstrong L, et al. Muslims don't expect any extra accommodation, but "it really feels nice and good to be recognized when people try to do something extra for you," said Nasr. 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. Many of us dont want to share our menstrual cycles with you and many of you probably werent looking to find that out, either. Here are some practical tips and tricks to support a safe, successful fast during Ramadan. We're asking you to join our membership program so we can become fully financially sustainable (and you'll get cool perks too!) Reading this in the era of COVID-19? Jemila Abdulai is the creative director, editor and founder of the award-winning website Circumspecte.com. Don't push kids beyond their capacity, Malik said. While co-workers may be uncomfortable eating around their Muslim colleagues, Mitchell said they shouldn't feel this way. Harvard Medical School. Remember that fasting is not solely about abstaining from food and drink, but is more so about reflection, prayer, and connection with God. Each person will have a specific preference of how they want to work during Ramadan. While sweets during Ramadan can be very tempting, try to choose foods with high water content instead. Mitchell likened the celebration to Christmas, as many Muslims take a few days off from work to celebrate. We do feel hungry and thirsty sometimes, but get to eat breakfast and dinner, so we really only are skipping lunch. 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. Ramadan is a religious tradition, and time to reflect on what God has given you, and be grateful for life. Every year, Muslims pay zakat an obligatory form of charity that requires us to donate 2.5% of our total wealth to the people who need it most. Use the time before sunrise and after sunset as an opportunity to rehydrate and meet the recommended water intake. Not to mention the fact that not all Muslims observe the fast for any number of reasons being sick, being pregnant or breastfeeding, elderly feeling too weak, needing to take medicines, managing a health situation which requires a specific lifestyle, women being on their period, travellers switching time zones. Whilst sunset is relatively late in April (around 8pm), if you are with colleagues who are fasting (for example at an overnight event or conference), then you may wish to consider opening the fast together. Of course, this is a bit of an extreme example and we were both children, but the point is, please dont test your Muslim friends with food or anything else for that matter. 1. But do ask them to join you for a daytime meal and enjoy! - Hind Makki, Interfaith Educator, You dont have to feel bad that we are fasting all month. Learn what to do if you experience diarrhea during a fast, including when to stop fasting, treatment options, and when to see a doctor. You can also say "Ramadan Kareem," which means "have a generous Ramadan," according toUSA Today. Buy them basic items to start and break their fast with: dates, tea, milo, bread, tinned milk, sugar, water, and fruits always come in handy. Narrative review of hydration and selected health outcomes in the general population. Its also a challenging time as Muslims undertake the trial of fasting for the month. There are about 3.45 million Muslims in the United States, and that number continues to climb. These conversations allow Baig to help colleagues broaden their perspective and learn about different cultures. But if you dont know of one, you can also offer a donation to an established organisation like UK-based Muslim Aid which focuses its efforts on places with the greatest need, or Islamic Appeal which focuses on development projects. It . Who do we intend to serve with our actions? It's supposed to be challenging, and it's supposed to be hard. }); if($('.container-footer').length > 1){ A workplace run by AI is not a futuristic concept. How do you wish someone a Happy Ramadan? Here are a few tips from Muslims across the United States collected over the course of Ramadan. Our site uses cookies. These words can convey awareness of Ramadan and kindness to Muslim employees during this time, he noted. It implicitly communicates that you perceive our practice as a deviation from some norm (probably Christian hegemony). I got home and was seriously sick it was only after prodding from a teacher that she confessed that it was indeed pork and she had wanted to see what would happen. The pre-dawn meal is called the suhoor, while the fast is broken at dusk with the iftar, traditionally starting with a few sips of water and some dates. 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. Nonetheless, I still even encourage asking what your Muslim friend (or colleague) prefers. Perhaps what we all can practice during Ramadan, Muslim or not, is a more complex idea of intent, one that critically and consistently examines our motivations. Safety first. 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. You might be embarrassed by the lack of knowledge, but most Muslims welcome questions from colleagues and friends. After Ramadan is over, it can be difficult to resume regular eating habits. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And yes, there are exceptions encoded into Islamic practice regarding Ramadan and fasting. 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. It can seem judgmental of their religious practice (or lack thereof) if theyre simply choosing not to fast. Im willing to bet sales of such products go up during Ramadan, especially considering many mosques and observers organise community iftars for many people. var temp_style = document.createElement('style'); Please log in as a SHRM member. Spread and promote awareness. I really wanted to give a thorough explanation of some of these ideas since many of us seem not to know. Over 3.45 million Americans celebrate the Islamic holy month - here are a few tips to get you acquainted! Host an iftar. Hunger and thirst are regular reminders of being in a state of fasting, which serves to remind us to reflect and engage spiritually. If Muslim employees are required to work late, employers should allow some time and space for them to break the fast and perform a prayer during sunset, Mitchell said. But do ask how you can support! 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. Passionate about writing, she strives to use her evidence-based pharmacy knowledge to promote health and wellness. Not everyone must fast. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Two people one wearing a head scarf and one without walk out of a shopping mall, smiling at each other. You can follow her onFacebookor Twitter @SelimaJumarali. Besides writing and reading, she enjoys travel, global cuisine, movies, and good design. Above all, Alsabaggh encourages an open and communicative relationship with your healthcare professional to ensure that its safe for you to fast. 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 . Consider providing food or clothes for the needy or vulnerable (orphans, impoverished, and so on). Effect of pre-meal water consumption on energy intake and satiety in non-obese young adults. From April 2 to May 2 this year, all Muslims who are healthy and have reached puberty are required to abstain from eating, drinking and smoking daily from dawn until sunset. Dear Karen, thats wonderful! You are also . Why? Another I have just come across but never used is the South-Africa based Africa Muslims Agency. Learn more about Christian hegemony here. Have we learned what we need to know before we act? Here are some simple, but meaningful ways you can do so especially if you work or live in religiously diverse contexts. Muslims view the fast of Ramadan as a great opportunity for personal & spiritual growth. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting in Islam and we believe thats the month the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad and mankind. For those who dont actually know any Muslims or Islam, Ramadan is an opportunity to have an honest conversation with a Muslim. Neither members nor non-members may reproduce such samples in any other way (e.g., to republish in a book or use for a commercial purpose) without SHRMs permission. "Employers should be willing to accommodate.". 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).
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how to support someone during ramadan
