It’s the holy month of Ramadan and as a Muslim I’ll be fasting, which means I won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset.
In my role as a Data Solutions Designer in Leeds, the flexibility of our working policies allows me to devote time to my faith at this special time while carrying out my job.
About Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan is a spiritual discipline that allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah, or God. Most of the world's 1.6 billion Muslims will be observing Ramadan, so the chances are one of your colleagues around you is one of those people. Fasting helps us to remember that we are dependent on God for sustenance, and understanding what it feels like to be hungry and thirsty helps us to focus more clearly on our relationship with God.
Fasting also allows us to experience the situation of those less fortunate and to appreciate the little things we take for granted. This allows me to be as charitable as I can, within my means, and to extend this throughout the year too - not just in the holy month of Ramadan.
My typical Ramadan day
Each day begins at around 2:30am. This is the time we have to stop eating and drinking – it usually marks the first break of light of a new day - followed by early morning prayer. The fast can be broken once the sun has set fully, currently around 9:15pm, at this time we can eat and drink normally. Throughout the day there are 4 other prayers with the last one being around 11pm in the evening.
The length of each fast during this month is dependent on the length of the day, effectively from sunrise to sunset. This means the time we are not permitted to eat or drink is much longer during spring and summer months. It’s not just about eating and drinking either, we have other observances to keep us focused on our religion, such as not being intimate with a loved one and refraining from negative thoughts towards one and other.
The start of Ramadan goes back by 10 days or so each year, which means there are times when fasting is easier as daylight hours are not so long in the autumn and winter months.
Self-restraint
I find the best way to contend with my hunger and tiredness is to keep busy and my mind occupied as possible. Exhaustion is not too difficult to deal with in my role as not a lot of physical work is required, but the drained feeling is ever present! I do take a nap after work to catch up on sleep which helps significantly.
The one thing I find really difficult to deal with is when colleagues eat at their desks.
I know no-one has any obligations to be discrete but it’s really hard when you are hungry and trying not to think about it and then someone close by starts having their lunch and it smells really nice. In this situation you can’t help but think about how hungry you are!
So if you know a colleague who is observing Ramadan and you want to help out or be respectful, my advice would be to think about where you’re eating your lunch!
Celebrating Eid-Al-Fitr
Ramadan ends with Eid-Al-Fitr. The actual date is dictated by the lunar cycle, or more specifically the new crescent moon.
I’ll be celebrating over 3 days, with feasting - but of course by then I won’t feel like eating that much! And I’ll be spending time with my family and friends. It’s also traditional to give money to children, although that has turned to presents in recent times.
I usually take leave for a couple of days and just enjoy it.
Flexibility in work
I’ve worked for many different companies and so far I have not found any other company as flexible as DWP Digital. Managers have been very supportive, allowing me to work from home a couple of days a week - most of my work can be done just about anywhere – and I can also start a bit later or finish earlier as long as it doesn’t impact deadlines, and I keep within my contracted hours.
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8 comments
Comment by Julie Hawthorn posted on
Thank you for this. I will certainly be mindful of where I am eating my lunch for the rest of Ramadan as hadn't even considered the impact that might have on someone who is fasting.
Ramadan Kareem.
Comment by Alan Rider posted on
This is a great example of where the ability to work from anywhere using technology really comes into it's own. Being able to work from home, or work shorter days because you can pick up work or collaborate on the move, helps everyone to support their colleagues through Ramadan and at other times of the year. In DfT we have a really flexible policy on working away from the office and the technology to support it, which makes life so much easier.
Comment by Alison E Crompton posted on
Thank you Ahmed for this very useful insiders guide to Ramadan.
Comment by Greg posted on
This is a great example of how the DWP is diverse and flexible to those who work there. The same principle applies to the Civil Service as a whole I find.
Comment by Ozma Iqbal posted on
Thank you for sharing Ahmed. This really showcases DWP's commitment to diversity and inclusion for all. With the launch of Phase 2 of the "I can be me in DWP" campaign your blog truly highlights that you really can be yourself at work.
Comment by Anita Wilson posted on
Thank you for this insight Ahmed, I will use this information during our office meeting on Wednesday to ensure all our staff are aware of the impact of Ramadan on their Muslim colleagues.
Comment by Tariq posted on
I agree, DWP is very flexible and supportive when it comes to accommodating Ramadhan. I don't have the luxury of working from Home, but still my Team/TL is very considerate and they also hide their food.
Ramadhan Mubarak to all.
Comment by Musab Qureshi posted on
DWP is leading the way by example here; remote working and flexible arrangements that allow staff to still achieve the business outcomes expected from them - this is the way forward for leading employers to attract and retain loyal and sincere people.
Flexible working means less time spent driving or in a train and more time doing beneficial work. Telephony and collaboration tools today make this more of a reality than was possible in the past. It's a win-win.