Written by Dr Halla Iqbal
About Ramadan Experience
More than a week into Ramadan, many people may have a reasonable curiosity about what happens in a fasting person’s life. Why is this month so special? Is it only about staying away from food and water? Why does this month warrant accommodations? Understanding the changed sleep and meal schedules may offer some insight into why this month is so unique.
For most Muslims, this is a period of intense spiritual purification and reboot, which means
despite looking worn out and sunken, there is a profound spiritual shift happening within.
Fasting is only one of its many components, albeit a very integral one. Reciting the Holy
Book, the Qur’an, is also vital, as most Muslims attempt to complete reading it within this
month. With the sun setting later these days, it also means the nights are filled with
performing Night prayers and trying to eat well.
Muslims start fasting sometime before daybreak until sunset throughout the month of
Ramadan. Every day the timings change by a few minutes, so in Belfast, we refer to a
timetable for accuracy. These days, around 5:30am is the designated hour to stop eating
and begin fasting. We typically eat sometime before 5:30 and have plenty of fluids to keep
ourselves hydrated. Many people opt to skip this, although I could never! After this it is time
for the morning prayer. We then embark on a long day of consciously abstaining from not
just food and drink (not even water!), but also arguments, anger outbursts, conversations
that can be considered gossip and other negative behavior's. We strive to stay spiritually
active through increased remembrance of God by prayers, recitations, charity, acts of
service etc. It may surprise at least some people to learn that despite the thirst and hunger,
we are not tempted to grab food or sip water that is within reach. And it is completely okay
to eat or drink in front of us!
Breaking fast or iftar, is usually done with a date and some water around 8pm in the night before the evening prayer. Surprisingly, after a few bites, we would be full, even though I can positively say we fantasised about stuffing our faces several times a day. Preferably, we
try to space out meals between prayers throughout the night. It is important to remember that Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection for Muslims, and regular prayer is an essential aspect of this month. The nights are spent in long prayers from around 9:30pm. These are specific to the month of Ramadan and may take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than an hour for some, which means there is very little sleep for those who work during the day. Instead of a long deep sleep, nights of this month are usually spent in short naps, as we would frequently need to wake for prayer and meals.
As a result, employees who attend night prayers may need to adjust their schedules or
working hours accordingly. Employers can ensure that they are approachable, and their
employees are comfortable enough to talk to them about these needs. During this month, the changed routine may have an impact on employees from all backgrounds, but for those in physically tasking jobs, such as professions requiring heavy lifting, hard labour, travel or long work hours, fasting may be more challenging. Therefore, I recommend staying hydrated during non-fasting hours, eating a nutritious and balanced meal before beginning the fast, and taking breaks as needed. Avoid unhealthy food for obvious reasons. Additionally, don’t be shy to engage in religious practices and be honest about your needs for this month with your employer and co-workers. Most of the time, people are eager to help but just don’t know how.
Ways To Work With the Fasting Employee
There are a few ways employers and co-workers can support their fasting employees and colleagues to help accommodate their altered routine. This can involve organising meetings or consultations around prayer times, allowing for flexible work schedules or reduced workhours during Ramadan, and avoiding activities, gatherings, or meals during daytime hours if possible.
Employers can support their staff who are fasting by allocating their work shifts in
line with their needs, planning breaks that will allow them to take rests when needed, and
creating a safe and comfortable environment for prayer or rest. Additionally, iftar mealtimes
can be arranged at work, or a separate area could be made available for employees who are
fasting to eat iftar. This aids in promoting a sense of community between people in the
workplace, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals who may be
struggling with the physiological demands of fasting.
I would encourage everyone to approach Ramadan with sensitivity & acceptance. Everyone's spiritual journey is different, therefore each individual's Ramadan experience is also different and incomparable. Ask questions freely and respectfully, and if it interests you, seek out learning resources, as it is better to have correct information than make inaccurate assumptions. We can cultivate a more inclusive and supportive culture for everybody by understanding and embracing the customs and rituals of those who fast for the month of Ramadan.