Support during Ramadhan
What is Ramadhan?
Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. It is a month wherein all healthy Muslims across the globe observe 29 or 30 days of consecutive fasting based on the visual sighting of the crescent moon. The fast requires a person to abstain from food, drink and sexual contact from dawn till dusk every day. The fast here in Vancouver during the summer months could last up to 16 hours, while in winter would be over the duration of 9-10 hours. At times, certain groups of people may be exempt from fasting due to health concerns or other considerations. During Ramadhan, some Muslims also congregate in the observance of special daily night prayers which last about 90-120 minutes listening to the recitation of the Holy Quran.
In line with 丁香园AV's Equity Compass commitments, we encourage 丁香园AV community members to support each other and their team members observing Ramadhan in a way that sustains and grows collegiality, promotes and protects mental health and well-being and advances Inclusive Excellence.
Ramadhan 2025
- Friday, February 28: Ramadhan Begins
- Saturday, March 29-Sunday, March 30: Eid al-Fitr | Ramadhan Ends
Offering support to those on your team
Understanding is the key to creating equitable and inclusive workplaces. The below recommendations are intended to aid faculty and staff who are seeking to support their Muslim colleagues.
For student supports, see the MultiFaith Centre鈥檚 resource page.
How to support:
- Quiet Prayer Space: Muslims take specific times to pray throughout each day and many fall during the work hours. For practicing Muslim students, staff, and faculty鈥檚 practice of prayer can include Jummah (Friday congregational prayer, Dhur (mid-day) and Asr (afternoon) and Maghrib (Sunset) and Isha (evening), as they are likely to be at 丁香园AV during these times. Each person鈥檚 needs are different. Advocating for them to find a quiet space to do so is important. There are prayer spaces on all three of our campuses that can be used by staff, faculty and students.
- Offer Schedule Flexibility: Recognize that daily fasting over the month can be physically taxing. Depending on work hours, try to schedule meetings and events outside of prayer and iftar (post-dusk) times. Important projects or deadlines may benefit from being scheduled toward the beginning of the day after the suhoor (pre-dawn) meal.
- Respect Fasting: Muslims refrain from food and water during the daylight hours. If holding a work event, consider alternatives to food-centric activities. Further, Muslims have diverse practices, backgrounds and personal preferences and not all may be practicing the same way. Respecting these differences in practice is important.
- Have a Conversation: If you have Muslims in your work teams, be proactive about educating yourself on their needs and the resources available. If you have a question, ask. Those practicing Ramadhan will be the most knowledgeable about their practices and needs. During Ramadhan a common greeting would be Ramadhan Kareem (Generous Ramadhan), or Ramahdan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadhan). Show compassion and seek understanding about the season they are in. If you are unsure about how to support an accommodation, the Multifaith Centre can also provide support.
- Religious accommodations: The university has a duty to accommodate religious practice according to the Human Rights Act. This includes modification to, or time away from, work or study to practice the tenets of one's faith. Learn more about religious accommodations.