Muslims across the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan. For the next month, Muslims will be abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset and breaking their fast during the evening.
During this time however, Muslims must carry on with their day to day such as still going to work or school.
READ MORE: Why Muslims fast during Ramadan
Each day is different for those observing Ramadan and some days can be harder or easier depending on your life, occupation and health.
In the most high profile cases, professional football players such as Manchester United's, Paul Pogba and Manchester City's, Riyad Mahrez still fast on matchdays despite taking part in a physically demanding sport.
For those not fasting, there are some things you can do to support your friends, family or colleagues this Ramadan.
Take part
What better way to show support than to join your Muslim friend as they fast during the holy month. It doesn’t have to be for the full 30 days, but a day or even a week of fasting together can do a lot to boost their morale.
Last year, a non-Muslim police officer fasted during the month of Ramadan in solidarity with his colleague. It must be stressed however, that the month of Ramadan is not merely about starving yourself for 30 days.
It is a very important time of the year where self-reflection is encouraged and a way for Muslims to develop positive habits and bring themselves closer to Allah.
Join during Iftar
Iftar is the evening meal in which Muslims end their day of fasting with during Ramadan. It takes place at sunset and is one of the most joyous things about Ramadan.
A table packed with delicious food and a time where every member of the family is at the table tucking into the delicious food there is always more than enough room for one more or two.
Regular check ups
Some jobs can be more taxing than others during the month of Ramadan. During the pandemic we saw a number of key workers powering through the days while fasting during the height of a global pandemic.
As with most things in life, a check up and chat goes a long way, so if you have a colleague or friend who you is observing the holy month, don’t be afraid to give them a tap on the shoulder and as how they’re doing.
Asking questions
During the month of Ramadan Muslims are encouraged to get closer to God by reading the Qu’ran for the 30 days and being on top of their daily prayers. Packed full of knowledge your friend or family member will be more than happy to educate you on the finer points of the religion, no question is silly if it comes from the right place.
Try not to tease your Muslim friends
Muslims do not only abstain from eating food and drink but also from bad habits during the holy month.
Worshipers are encouraged to avoid swearing, gossiping, arguing, fighting or being disrespectful.
The best way to help out someone who hasn’t eaten or drank anything for hours is to maybe refrain from teasing or starting pointless arguments.
Offer time and space for prayers
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims believe that spiritual efforts and good deeds are enhanced in the eyes of Allah. So acts such as prayer, reading the Qu'ran and charity are greatly encouraged during the holy month.
If you haven’t already, try making sure there is a space available for your member of staff to pray at various points throughout the day.
Work life balance
Keeping with the theme of work, if you are a boss then being considerate of the shifts for staff members during Ramadan could do a lot to help. During Ramadan, Muslims take part in nightly prayers known as Taraweeh.
These special prayers take part late at night and involving long readings of the Qu'ran at the local mosque or at home meaning worshippers often go to bed late at night. With this in mind, for a month you can try giving your staff member later starts or earlier finishes for them to break their fasts to help them during the month.
Being considerate with food
You don't have to hide your food or run away when you're eating. This one depends on the friend, colleague, or partner you're with and their preferences but, simple things like having lunch meetings outdoors rather than a café help.
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