RAMADAN GUIDE BAME APPRENTICE NETWORK

1. Ramadan is a sacred month for over
1.8 billion Muslims across the globe,
during which it is believed the Quran,
the literal Word of God, was revealed
to Muhammed (peace be upon him).
To mark this month Muslims will fast
during daylight hours abstaining from
food, drink and sexual relations. As
one of five pillars (Core Principles /
obligatory actions) of the Islamic
faith, it also involves controlling
oneself by abstaining from anger,
rudeness, lying, cheating and
practising patience and self-reflection
to effectively reset the body
physically, emotionally and spiritually.
During this month Muslims will
engage in extra worship and prayer as
well as engaging in many communal
activities.
A GUIDE TO
RAMADHAN
Ramadhan will start when the new
crescent mood is sighted which is
expected to be either 1st or 2nd April
2022. It is not uncommon for
different communities and sects to
start Ramadhan on different days.
The rules for sighting the moon differ
between different groups within in
the religion and thus results in a
differentiation in starting dates.
Supporting Muslim Employees
& Colleagues
This year the average fast will be
approximately 16 hours, with a start
time of circa 4am and sunset being
after 8pm.
What is Ramadhan? When is Ramadhan?
How long will a fast
last?
BAME APPRENTICE
NETWORK PATRONS:

2. Be flexible with working hours –
Some people may choose to work
at different times when they feel
they are most productive. Allow
your employees the opportunity to
have flexible working hours.
Working from home – While many
employers may already be offering
this irrespective of Ramadhan, it
can really help those that are
fasting.
Consolidate breaks / allow rest
bites – In a workplace where
flexible / home working is not an
option, consider consolidating
lunch breaks so an employee can
have a shorter day as they may not
want a lunch break as they will not
be eating. Alternatively, there may
be occasions where an employee is
not taking any breaks, then we
would encourage you to remind
them to take a break.
Everyone will have a different
experience, so a one size fits all
approach to Ramadhan will certainly
not work. Speak to your Muslim
Employees to understand what
challenges they may face during the
month. This will allow you to provide
them with the best working
environment. Below is a list of things
all employers can do:
Lack of sleep – During Ramadhan
Muslims observe extra prayers in
the evening after they have
opened their fast, they must also
wake up early to close their fast,
this can lead to lack of sleep or a
disturbed sleep pattern.
Lack of energy – As your
employees will be consuming less
food, they will naturally have less
energy and concentration levels
will be lower at certain times in the
day.
During this time, it is important to be
mindful that your employee may have:
How to support your Muslim employees during
Ramadhan?
BAMEAPPRENTICESHIPAWARDS.CO.UK
NOMINATION DEADLINE: 30TH JUNE 2022

3. So, you don’t eat for a whole month?
What? You can’t even drink water?
Don’t you get Hungry? Thirsty?
At least you’ll lose weight, right?
2. Common Questions Answered
The answer to the below is always "No!":
While the above is not an extensive list, they are the most common questions that
most Muslims are asked about Ramadhan and fasting. Of course Muslims feel
hunger and thirst while fasting, however this is a choice they have made and feel
quite strongly about.
3. Do some research and ask questions
While the point above asks to you to abstain from being inquisitive, Muslims
genuinely like to talk about Ramadhan. Try and understand the basics and ask
questions about things you are genuinely unsure about. Be sincere in your
approach and I am sure your Muslim colleagues will be happy to engage.
For those employers who are not working from home here are few things to be
mindful about and worth sharing with the entire team.
1. You don’t have to hide your food
Most Muslims who are fasting are quite comfortable with people eating around
them. So please try not to be awkward and overly apologetic, Muslims understand,
and they do not expect you to not have your lunch etc. They also won’t be
offended if you forget they are fasting and ask them if they are coming to lunch. If
you are planning a work meal, try and plan something after sunset.
Ramadhan in the workplace
BAMEAPPRENTICESHIPAWARDS.CO.UK
NOMINATION DEADLINE: 30TH JUNE 2022

4. 4. Not all Muslim are obliged to fast
Islam provides flexibility in every instance and when it comes to Ramadhan this
means not everyone is obliged to fast. There are many reasons why some Muslims
cannot, or do not fast, this could be because of personal reasons, such as illness,
pregnancy, old age, menstruation etc. While someone may not be fasting they may
still be engaging in the spirituality of Ramadhan through prayer and other
activities.
Fast for a day – If you feel up to it, why
not try fasting for a day, I am sure your
colleagues will support you and give you
all the tips you need to get through it.
Give it up for Ramadhan – Like many
Christians do during lent, use this as an
opportunity to give up something. It
could be health related for example
giving up smoking or junk food.
Raise Money for charity – During
Ramadhan Muslims in the UK donate
more than £150 Million to charity. You
could use Ramadhan as an opportunity
to raise money with your colleagues for a
specific cause.
5. Get involved
Ramadhan is a great opportunity to learn about your Muslim colleagues, it is a
time when they feel most in touch with their faith. While you may not be religious
or want to fast for 30 days, getting involved in the festivities can be great for
team building and growing office culture. Below are some great ideas how you can
get involved with the festivities.
BAMEAPPRENTICESHIPAWARDS.CO.UK
NOMINATION DEADLINE: 30TH JUNE 2022