The holy month of Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time when many Muslims across the world fast during daylight hours for 29-30 days. The Islamic calendar is lunar and so Ramadhan falls at a slightly earlier time in the year each year.
Ramadhan Kareem (Happy Ramadhan) and Eid Mubarak (Happy Eid).
An introduction to Ramadhan
Ramadhan is the holiest period of the year for Muslims as it is when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. When Ramadhan takes place each year is dependent on the lunar calendar and the sighting of the new moon.
During the days of Ramadhan many Muslim colleagues will give up the following things during the hours of daylight.
- Food or drink of any sort
- Smoking (and preferably avoiding passive smoking)
- Sexual activity
As well as these things Ramadhan is a reflection on a person’s life and how they conduct themselves with other people. During Ramadhan Muslims are encouraged to develop and refine themselves as positive role models by:
- Reflecting on their behaviour
- Abstaining from swearing, lying, gossiping and backbiting
- Displaying strong qualities of self-discipline
- Abstaining from bad habits like swearing, lying, gossiping and backbiting which are not permitted in Islam
- Developing good habits for the remainder of the year
Muslims observing Ramadhan also increase in spiritual devotional acts such as:
- Prayer
- Giving to charity
- Strengthening family ties
How to support colleagues who may be fasting
The NHS Muslim Network and the British Islamic Medical Association have developed an online guide on how to support staff who may be fasting. This includes top tips for supporting staff and colleagues throughout the month of Ramadhan. The guide is available at nhs.uk:
While fasting is obligatory for all healthy muslims (not children), there are exemptions for those who are ill or who's health could be affected by fasting, for example, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with diabetes.
You can read more information on The British Nutrition Foundation website for a healthy Ramadan:
If you suffer from Diabetes, please see our useful link section for a helpful guide during times of Fasting.