Top 10 Tips: What every Employer needs to know about Ramadan!
With a little over 25% of the world’s population being Muslim (1.9 billion), its amazing that many are still unaware of what the month of Ramadan is. Here are the top 10 things that every employer must know about Ramadan.
- Ramadan is a month in which Muslims refrain from food and drinks between sunrise and sunset. There are other items as well including smoking, but the food and water are the most critical.
- Muslims will fast between 29 and 30 days. The Muslims follow a lunar calendar and thus the beginning of the fasting month will be different every year. For example, Ramadan started this year for many Muslims on April 14th. Next year, it will most likely be April 2nd or April 3rd.
- No one dies from being without water for daylight hours: Dry Intermittent Fasting is currently a very popular lifestyle and has show great benefits especially when it comes to removing toxins and lowering inflammation in the body. Yes, during the hotter days, being without water is a challenge but doable.
- Not everyone is required to fast: those who are too old, too young or sick are excused from fasting. If fasting is going to make you sick, you are required to NOT fast, as this will defeat the purpose.
- The challenge of this month is not necessarily due to hunger or dehydration, it’s the mental challenge that many Muslims go through. Dealing with the many tasks of life (going to work, school, taking care of kids etc), while you have limited energy is mentally taxing. This is part of the growth that this month of Ramadan provides Muslims.
- When Muslims break their fast at sunset, the meal is called IFTAR. It is tradition to break the fast with dates. In addition, many Muslims will get up prior to sunrise to have something to eat as well. This meal is called SUHOOR.
- As per above eating late which means sleeping late and waking up early to eat, leads to havoc on the sleep cycle of Muslims. Many Muslims struggle to concentrate in the afternoon due to lack of sleep, dehydration and a lack of energy due to no intake of calories.
- Why do Muslims Fast? When an individual fasts, they over time build resiliency to resist temptation and, in the process, build capacity for self-control and self-discipline. This has a profound effect on the purification of the self in removing harmful habits and replacing them with new habits such as the inclination for an increase in charity. However, if one is to truly benefit from the spiritual elements of fasting in the month of Ramadan, they must ensure they manage their health appropriately. If one does not manage the health and wellness of their physical body, they will not be able to entertain the spiritual benefits. Want to know more? Click Here
- Physical benefits of Fasting: detoxification of the body, stem cell activation, autophagy, decrease in inflammation, and some weight loss. Click Here to read more.
- The first day after the completion of the month of Ramadan is call EID. A common phrase is to wish those who have completed the month of fasting with EID MUBARAK (blessed feast). Many Muslims spend the first part of their day in prayers and the rest with their family partaking in feasts as well as exchanging of gifts.
TOP 5 EASY TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS:
- If you know someone in your organization is fasting for Ramadan, wish them a blessed Ramadan or RAMADAN MUBARAK.
- Give them a care package that includes dates at the beginning of the month. This will truly show you know and understand the important of the month of Ramadan.
- Check in on them and ask them how they are feeling. If you have an opportunity, offer them any accommodations to make their life a little easier during the month. Work from home arrangements or a flexible start time are great ways to accommodate and will also build loyalty and commitment.
- At the end of the month wish them EID MUBARAK. If your budget allows, give them a small gift to partake in the festival.
- Encourage them to take the day of EID off and not to worry about work that day. Push them to be with their families and enjoy their feasts and celebrations.
MY LAST RECOMMENDATION:
The month of Ramadan is about self growth and development. A guide has been created to help each Muslim with their goals during the month of Ramadan. Encourage them to download the Ramadan Well Being Guide: Click Here
If you did find this helpful, I would be appreciative if you could share this with your friends and family. Together, we can increase our personal well-being and continue to get better!
Read: Focus on Meaning!
My best to you and your loved ones!
Until next time,
Be well,
Coach Mumdoo
604-861-4288
[email protected]
We believe every day is an opportunity to “get better.”
The most critical factor in seizing this opportunity is your well-being.
Your well-being is our obsession.
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