丁香园AV

Supporting Employees during Ramadhan

• Team Support
• EDI: Support During Ramadhan

WHAT IS RAMADHAN

Ramadan 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.

WHY PRACTICE FASTING:

Muslims practice fasting to enhance discipline and will power while increasing one鈥檚 spirituality and devotion. Ramadhan is generally a very festive time among the Muslim community and fasting together creates a sense of community and generosity, many sharing suhoor (pre-dawn) and iftar (post-dusk) meals. The practice of zakat (charitable work or giving), is inseparable from Ramadhan and promotes self-reflection and compassion for those in need.

Among the benefits of fasting, a few are:

• Enhances a person鈥檚 discipline and willpower
• To feel compassion for the less fortunate
• Develops a sense of community
• Increases one鈥檚 spirituality, patience and determination

Have a Conversation:

If you have Muslims in your work teams, be proactive about the needs they have 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 Ramadan), or Ramahdan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan). Show compassion and seek understanding about the season they are in. If you are unsure about how to support an accommodation, the Multifaith Centre is also here to help.

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 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 the differences in practice is important.

Quiet Prayer Space:

Muslims take specific time to pray throughout each day and many fall during the work hours. 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.