All Things Ramadan

by Alfa & Praetura Asset Finance

As it is the holy month of Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr is just around the corner, we asked some of our colleagues at Alfa and Praetura Asset Finance who are currently observing Ramadan to tell us a bit more about the significance of this time for them, and how their colleagues and employers can show support.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan (sometimes called Ramadhan, Ramathan, Ramazan or Ramzan) is the name of the 9th Month of the Islamic Calendar. It is a month of fasting from sunrise until sunset where Muslims are expected to abstain from eating, drinking and anything that is considered impure for the mind and body. It is one of the 5 pillars of Islam (Profession of Faith, 5 Daily Prayers, Charity, Fasting and Pilgrimage to Makkah).

The Fasting period

The Islamic calendar follows a Lunar cycle of 354/355 days in which a month starts from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. Therefore the exact date of Ramadan changes every year.

Why is it observed?

It is prescribed to do so by God in the second chapter of the Qur’an. The aim is to seek closeness to God and to practise letting go of everything else and dedicating oneself both through actions and mind to God.

The benefits

• It is a time to recharge and reflect on oneself and form good habits
• It is a reminder to be appreciative and grateful for the blessings in life such as family, food and shelter
• It fosters discipline, tests one’s will and pushes limits
• There are also health benefits: prevents high cholesterol, heart disease and improved mental health and well-being

Who does not have to observe Ramadan?

• Those who are menstruating
• Those suffering from an illness
• Those travelling
• Children who have not reached puberty

The above fall into two categories:

• Those who must not fast e.g., women who are menstruating
• Those who should and could but are not at fault if they do not e.g., people travelling

A typical Ramadan Day

Suhoor: This is the meal before sunrise — Muslims have food to keep them going through the day and offer prayers. As soon as the sun is rising, the fast starts.

Iftar: This is the name of the time when Muslims break their fast — This is accompanied with a date, in order to emulate the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Taraweeh: These are the night prayers and is unique to the month of Ramadan — It is carried out in the window from Iftar to Suhoor’.

How can you support your employees who are fasting?

During the month, try to keep meetings to earlier in the day rather than evening. Be mindful that those observing Ramadan may not eat or drink during working lunches or at social events.

Try to be flexible with breaks — some people may prefer take shorter breaks rather than a long lunch break.

There might be an increase in holidays for Eid, marking the end of Ramadan. As Eid is guided by the lunar cycle, it can be difficult to know exactly which days should be booked off. This year Eid will take place week commencing 17th April.

Where possible, facilitate flexible annual leave. At Alfa, employees can work on certain cultural days such as the Easter bank holidays and instead take time off on days more meaningful to them such as Eid.

How can you support your colleagues who are fasting?

Rehana Patel of Praetura advises ‘Fasting can affect people in different ways, some Muslims may be more energised, and some may be a little quieter than usual. Some people may appreciate reasonable adjustments or more flexible timings during this month. Other that, treat your Muslim colleagues how you would any other day.’

At Praetura Asset Finance, four colleagues are recognising Ramadan this year. A few non-Muslim colleagues fasted for a full day, to gain an appreciation for how difficult this is. Fasting made them realise the level of dedication and the sacrifice required for such a prolonged period, and the team decided not to have hot food in the office out of respect.

What happens after?

Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan. The word ‘Eid’ is an Arabic word, whose root connotation is ‘that which comes back, time after time, and rejoicing’. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said these are the days of eating, drinking and remembrance of God. On this day, Muslims all over the world thank God for the gift of fasting, in which they avoided food, drink and intercourse from dawn to dusk, out of obedience and servitude. It marks a time of new beginning.

The day begins with a shower then going to the mosque to offer a prayer and listening to a sermon. There is also a focus on giving to charity, recognising one’s blessings, wearing best clothes and giving gifts to family.

Remember to wish your Muslim colleagues ‘Eid Mubarak’ (pronounced ‘Moo-ba-rak’) which is the equivalent to Happy Eid.