Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim colleagues

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and Muslims believe that it is during this period God revealed the first verses of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad.

During this month, Muslims abstain from certain pleasures in life, from sunset to sunset. This month also provides an opportunity for self-purification, reflection and a focus on spirituality.

One of the key aspects of Ramadan is fasting, both physically and spiritually.

Physically: Refraining from food, drink (including water) and intimacy during fasting hours. Depending on the location and season, fasting can vary from between 8 and 19 hours.

Spiritually: Making a resolute intention to engage in positive and productive matters throughout the day.

Whilst Ramadan itself is important, the last 10 days are even more so. Your colleagues may pray even more, this is because of something called Laylatul Qadr, which is a night said to be better than a thousand months. Muslims attempt to pray hard in this night to gain God’s blessings as it says in the Qur’an that they can gain the rewards of praying for a thousand months in one night.

Working with our Muslim colleagues and clients

Our Muslim colleagues and clients are greatly appreciative of the consideration in working practices that can be shown by all during Ramadan.

• Consider having meetings or other professional gatherings beginning later in the morning
• Consider offering a more flexible approach to working patterns
• Consider the timings of meetings, avoid lunchtime meetings, especially on Fridays between 12-2pm as most Muslims observe Friday prayers at the mosque