Humana employees
©2024 Humana
04/03/2023
Celebrating Ramadan with Humana Employee, Khursheed Zafar
Recognizing and celebrating what makes our employees unique is core to our mission of having and nurturing an inclusive culture. Part of this includes learning and understanding what makes our colleagues unique so that we can celebrate with each other and become better allies.
Ramadan is observed from March 22 through April 20 ending with the appearance of the crescent moon that evening. It signifies a time for Muslims to practice self-reflection and spiritual growth. To learn more about the holiday and what it means to someone who celebrates, we spoke with Khursheed Zafar, Vice President, Retail Direct Marketing Sales and Operations.
Learn more about what Ramadan is and stands for to Khursheed as well as his tips to becoming a better ally.
What is Ramadan?
KZ: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. During this month Muslims observe complete abstention from ingesting anything, meaning no food nor drinks (no, not even water) from sunrise to sunset for a month. We're also enjoined to practice patience, compassion and forgiveness as well as abstain from raising our voice or displaying anger. Fasting during Ramadan is also one of the five pillars of practicing Islam and is observed by over a billion Muslims around the world today. Fasting has both spiritual and physical benefits, including purifying the soul and inspiring self-reflection. By restricting the body’s desires during daylight hours, believers rejuvenate their spirituality, repair their religious conscience, and cultivate their devotion to God. This is the most significant objective of the fast: restoring the centrality of God in our lives.
What does Ramadan mean to you?
KZ: To me, Ramadan is not only about fasting from dawn to sunset, but it is also about spirituality, charity, self-reflection, self-discipline, gratitude and community. It's about empathizing with the plight of the poor and those without abundance. It’s also about spending time with my friends and family and being the best version of myself. I think of it as a spiritual intermittent fasting or detox. It's a set time of the year where I reflect about the type of person I want to be, and actively try to become that person.
What tips do you have for colleagues who are curious about Ramadan?
KZ: Ask your Muslim friends, neighbors or colleagues! Really, we're more than happy to answer your questions. You can also stop by your local mosque (which is what we call our centers of worship), they're bustling during Ramadan, and they always have congregants that are excited to invite you in and join them for an evening iftar (community dinner that breaks the fast). Some non-Muslims also try one day of fasting themselves just to see what it's like! You can also read more here:
How do you conclude the month of Ramadan?
KZ: At the conclusion of Ramadan marks a big celebration called Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking of the Fast. It's kind of the Muslim version of Christmas, where families, friends and community come together to celebrate the successful conclusion of Ramadan with an Eid feast, exchange of presents, and spending quality time together. Muslims focus on increasing their good actions during the holy month, but particularly increasing their generosity on Eid-al-Fitr through making donations, helping the needy, serving the hungry, and paying a mandatory charity (Zakat al-Fitr) to the poor at the end of Ramadan. This act of giving ensures that those with less financial means can also celebrate the holiday.
What tips or recommendations do you have for being a respectful ally to colleagues who celebrate Ramadan?
KZ: Truly speaking, everyone is very mindful of those who observe Ramadan, the only thing I can add is, whenever you find an opportunity, try to wish those who celebrate - the traditional greeting is "Ramadan Kareem," (which translates to "Have a blessed Ramadan") but "Happy Ramadan" will work just fine. Keeping a positive mindset and throwing in a few encouraging remarks every now and then will be valuable to those who are fasting and observing Ramadan. Also don’t feel too bad about the lack of food and drink for your Muslim friends and colleagues, their energy levels might not be the same by the late afternoon, but they are happy to be fasting even though the process is not meant to be easy. Ramadan is meant to be observed in the most routine and natural settings where one goes to school, works, plays sports (many athletes play professional sports while fasting during Ramadan) or performs normal daily duties while fasting.
How do you feel supported and cared for as an associate at Humana?
KZ: I am so proud to be a part of an organization that upholds diversity, equity and inclusion in such a meaningful and purposeful way. Every religious and social observance has a special place in Humana’s culture and is in the fabric of our inclusion strategy. Everyone being so mindful, respectful and thoughtful of my fasting is another validation that every associate has a special place of belongingness in the company. Humana is not only a place of work, but it is also a place where the culture of diversity and inclusion comes to life. Humana is very intentional about caring for who you are, and valuing all associates with various ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. The company places strategic value on equity to drive diversity and inclusion. It is certainly because of ‘the enterprise business values’, but I place no less importance on ‘the culture of diversity and inclusion’ for my commitment and dedication to Humana. Diversity is embedded in our culture and engagement.
How does Humana nurture inclusion and belonging?
KZ: Humana's inclusive culture provides a work environment where everyone has a voice and the opportunity to reach their potential. Inclusion & Diversity fosters innovative thinking and creativity, expanding insights and generating better business outcomes.
Let’s remind ourselves of what Carolyn Tandy, SVP, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer shared - By prioritizing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) across our business, we enable associates to thrive and bring their whole selves to work, while also driving the innovation and insights needed to better serve our diverse members and communities. DEI isn’t a program or a leadership initiative, or just a business imperative. It is the way we work, each and every day to deliver on our purpose. It is who we are as an organization – and it is the responsibility of all of us. DEI is how we sustain Human Care.
Interested in working for an organization committed to diversity, equity and inclusion? Visit
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