How to Recognize Ramadan in the Workplace; Building Empathy and Appreciation for a New Culture

Ramadan is recognized as a holy month of worship for the Islam community focusing on self-reflection and spiritual growth for Muslims. This year, celebrations and worship are observed with the appearance of the crescent moon on March 23, ending with the next crescent moon on April 22.

Want to learn more about Ramadan and how you can be an ally to those who celebrate? We encourage you to get curious, continue learning about other cultures and traditions, and cultivate a culture of belonging. We know that belonging – be that in your workplace or your local community – helps us pursue our healthiest life.

Here are a few things to know about Ramadan: 

• Taking place in the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is determined by the lunar cycle and is one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims.

• Fasting during sunlit hours is done to draw Muslimes closer to God and cultivate self-control, gratitude and compassion for the less fortunate.

• The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr or “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast,” which is expected to be observed on April 21 or April 22, depending on the appearance of the crescent moon.

• Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with family, friends and delicious food. Gifts are given to children from parents and relatives, and special prayers and sermons are delivered during community celebrations. The greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’ is exchanged meaning ‘blessed holiday!’

For Humana associates Nisat Tanjila and Nabila Anwar, Ramadan is not just about observing the holy month, but also about special moments shared with their families. “To me and my family - Ramadan is not only about only fasting; it is also about practicing self-discipline, sacrifice, self-control, generosity, modesty, good habits & mental growth,” says Nisat. 

Nisat and Nabila offered some advice for how co-workers can be inclusive of their colleagues during Ramadan. Both recommended being empathetic to those who celebrate and embracing a flexible work schedule.

Here are some additional ways to support and observe Ramadan in the workplace:

1. Wishing your colleagues who celebrate a happy Ramadan or "Ramadan Mubarak"
2. Not scheduling ‘Lunch & Learn’ meetings or after-hours gatherings as fasting is done from dawn until dusk during Ramadan
   
3. Like any religious community, Muslims are diverse in their beliefs and practices. Some fast, some don’t. It’s okay to ask questions about how your colleagues celebrate, just don’t assume.
   
4. You don’t have to apologize for eating or drinking in front of a colleague observing Ramadan who may be fasting, but joking or making negative comments about some fasting is never appropriate.
   
5. Take time to learn about Ramadan
   

Nabila, also co-President of our employee network resource group (NRG) for Asian and Pacific Islander communities and their allies says, “the best thing you can do as a coworker is to do research on Ramadan if you are curious. By doing so, you can build empathy and appreciation for a new culture to create a more inclusive environment at work.” 

Humana wishes our associates a Happy Ramadan! May it be full of self-reflection and growth! 🌙💚