Reflecting on Ramadan 2026
Ramadan and Eid form an important period in the Muslim calendar. Ramadan brings a shift in daily routines through fasting and reflection, while Eid marks the end of the holy month with time set aside for family and celebration.
One Carpenters colleague, Farzana Akhtar, Deputy Team Manager, shared how she observed Ramadan this year and how her and her family celebrated Eid.
“Ramadan is a time to be thankful and to reconnect with my faith. It’s not just about refraining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset but also being mindful of everything around me.”
Throughout the month, that mindfulness shaped how Farzana approached everyday life. Work, family responsibilities and personal commitments continued as normal, but the pace shifted. Early starts and later evenings became part of the routine, creating a different rhythm to the day.
“The month definitely requires a lot of self-discipline. Early mornings and late nights are the norm, but there’s also a calmness that helps reset me both physically and mentally.”
At home, Ramadan was also a time of learning and shared experience. For Farzana, involving her children and helping them understand the meaning behind the month was a key part of how her family observe this precious period.
“As a mum of two, one of the most important parts of Ramadan is teaching my children the traditions I grew up with, while also creating our own as a family.”
Those traditions extended into everyday moments during the month, shaping how time was spent and what was prioritised. Alongside faith, generosity played a strong role, influenced by Farzana’s own upbringing and the values she wants to pass on.
“Charity and kindness are a key part of Ramadan. We increase how much we donate to charity and share food with friends, family and neighbours - it’s something my parents taught me and something I try to pass down to my children.”
Balancing Ramadan alongside work and family life could be challenging at times. Sleep was often limited, evenings required planning around meals, and energy levels fluctuated, particularly toward the end of the month.
“The hardest part isn’t the lack of food or drink; it’s the lack of sleep. But it’s also a time when the whole family comes together, which makes it so much easier.”
Eid marked a clear change in pace. After a month shaped by routine and restraint, the focus shifted to travel, visiting relatives and spending time together, beginning with morning prayers and continuing throughout the day.
“Eid for me is all about family. The day is filled with food, noise and colour, and seeing my children so happy and surrounded by family is my favourite part.”
Reflecting on her experience at Carpenters Group, Farzana also spoke about the consistent understanding she has received while observing Ramadan and celebrating Eid, drawing on her long-standing experience with the business.
“This was my ninth Ramadan at Carpenters, and I’ve never had any issues. My colleagues have always been considerate, teammates are respectful, and seeing Ramadan and Eid acknowledged shows how important inclusivity is within the business.”
Looking back on the past few weeks, Farzana’s reflections offer insight into a period shaped by changing routines, family traditions and shared moments, both at home and in the workplace.
Hearing Farzana’s experience offers a meaningful opportunity to learn more about the traditions that shape our colleagues’ lives beyond work. These shared reflections help deepen understanding and bring us closer together, reinforcing the importance of celebrating connection within our Carpenters community.
