Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim community at Southampton! This year Ramadan will begin on the evening of Saturday 2 April and end on the evening of Sunday 1 May. Muslims follow the lunar calendar, so the exact start and end dates depend on the sighting of the moon and can vary slightly.
Ramadan is followed by the festival of Eid-ul- Fitr, a celebration to mark the end of Ramadan, which will start on the evening of Monday 2 May and end on the evening of Tuesday 3 May. This is the month during which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 1400 years ago. Ramadan is one of the holiest month of the year for Muslims, and is considered that the reward of good deeds during this month are multiplied several fold.
During Ramadan, from dawn until sunset, Muslims are obliged to abstain from all forms of food and drink (including water). Most Muslims will wake before dawn for a meal before the start of their fast (known as Suhoor or Sehri), and break their fast (known as Iftar) with dates and water at sunset, and then a meal.
Supporting your colleagues during Ramadan
Remember that different people will be celebrating Ramadan in various ways. Here are some ways to support Muslims at work during Ramadan:
- Working with colleagues to accommodate flexible working arrangements during this period, such as allowing Muslim staff to start work early or work late and take into consideration prayer times.
- Avoiding arranging ‘working lunches’ and physically demanding events.
- Be prepared for potential short-notice holiday requests for Eid celebrations at the end of Ramadan, since the actual day that Eid falls on will depend on when the new moon is sighted. Many people may need to request time off at relatively short notice and others may request 2-3 days off to make sure they will be off work at the right time.
- It should also be considered that employees who are fasting could be weak from hunger and/or thirst and be suffering lethargy, particularly nearing sunset, which may impact on their performance.
- Discuss with your employee how to help them – everyone will have a different relationship and approach to their faith and it’s important not to assume your colleagues needs but openly discuss what they need.
Inclusive Employers have compiled guidance and information on Ramadan for colleagues and managers.
You can test your knowledge with this simple Ramadan quiz.
Join the fast-a-thon
On 26 April the Islamic Society (ISOC) will be hosting a fast-a-thon, supported by our Muslim Faith advisor.
The event is open to all staff and students. Try fasting or giving up something for the day, then join ISOC for a free evening meal and learn more about Ramadan and what it means for our Muslim staff and students, as well as hearing from one of Our Catholic Chaplains discussing Lent and fasting. Find out more and register your interest.
