How to support friends and family during Ramadan: A quick guide

Mohammed Ilyas, the Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Hertfordshire, shares some useful tips on the holy month of Ramadan.

A quick guide to Ramadan:

• 📅 Ramadan takes place annually and lasts approximately 29/30 days.
  
  
• 📆 Muslims follow the lunar calendar, hence Ramadan starts earlier each year.
  
  
• 🤗 Ramadan is a month for spiritual discipline, gratitude, charity, practicing patience and kindness.

• 🌅 Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and yes...not even water!
  
  
• 🍲 There are two main meals during Ramadan. They are called suhoor (served pre-dawn) and iftar (served at sunset).
  
  
• 🧕 Fasting becomes compulsory on individuals when they hit puberty.
  
  
• 🤰 Expectant mothers and those with a medical condition are excused and can make up the days later. Those with a medical condition who cannot make up the days can contribute to charity instead.
  
  
• 🎉 Eid al-Fitr, which means ‘feast of breaking the fast’, is a three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan.

​How to support those observing Ramadan:

• 😊 It’s nice when you wish us a ‘Happy Ramadan’ or ‘Ramadan Mubarak’! (anytime during the month!)
  
  
• 🥤 We really don't mind being around people eating/drinking so don't feel the need to apologise!
  
  
• 💤 Ramadan will of course have an impact on our sleeping pattern/caffeine intake, hence we might seem tired! That’s fine, we don't expect any special treatment, but it will be courteous to talk to us when scheduling meetings/team events etc - maybe avoid early meetings!
  
  
• ⏲️ Please excuse us - we need to take some breaks at different points for prayers
  
  
• 💬 Don't hesitate to ask us questions to learn more! No offence will be taken - however maybe avoid asking someone why they are not fasting as they could be exempt for various personal reasons  

 'Ramadhan Mubarak' to everyone observing!