Ramadan begins this weekend - check out our guidance

This year’s Ramadan will begin on Saturday, 27^th May and last for 30 days.

As an ambulance service we are committed to providing high quality care for all our patients, and supporting our staff. This includes showing understanding, compassion and sensitivity towards working with diverse communities – especially in the month of Ramadan.

What is Ramadan?

In Islamic tradition Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, when the first verses of the Koran or Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Observing Ramadan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.

When is Ramadan?

The dates of Ramadan change each year. This year it commences on Saturday, 27^th May to Sunday, 25^th June, although this can vary slightly depending upon regional customs and when the new moon is first sighted. It lasts for 29-30 days and ends with the celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr. The Islamic calendar is lunar, which means that days start at sunset.

What do people do during Ramadan?

Many Muslims will fast each day from sunrise to sunset. This includes not eating food, drinking liquids or smoking. It is common to have one meal known as the suhoor just before sunrise and an evening meal known as Iftar after sunset.

Ramadan is a time of prayer and self-reflection, where Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an.

It’s also a time for charity-giving, which can involve both making donations and participating in charitable events.

Workplace considerations during Ramadan

• Observing Ramadan may be noticeable (for example not eating at lunchtime), so it is often sensible for employees to inform their managers of the fact they are fasting.
• Fasting may affect people in different ways (for example some people may understandably become a little irritable or slightly tired at times) and some understanding from managers and colleagues can be helpful.
• The effects of fasting may be felt most strongly in the afternoon so it can help to use the morning for meetings and perform routine tasks later. Ramadan can also be particularly challenging in the summer months as the days are longer.
• If you are working as part of a crew and are observing Ramadan, a sensible approach should be taken. Consider if it might be better to avoid driving the ambulance in the afternoon and make sure that you communicate well with your colleagues so they are aware of any physical issues you may have due to the potential for fatigue or irritability.
• Although breaks should be kept, a shorter lunch may make it easier for an employee to manage their workload if they wish to take time off to carry out additional prayer or worship.
• Colleagues may want to avoid offering food and drink to those who fast if sharing food with other colleagues, or eating during meetings.
• In certain years, a considerable portion of annual leave may be used by employees wishing to observe the Ramadan rules. Where the leave timings can be accommodated, it is also important to ensure an employee has adequate leave days available for these needs.
• Awareness and understanding of Ramadan and other religious festivals can be aided by posting information on staff notice boards or newsletters etc.
• Ramadan may offer an opportunity for closer team relations and teamwork - for example by avoiding cakes / biscuits during a team meeting.

For more information, please visit our equality, diversity and human rights pages on East24.

You can also check out the North East London NHS Foundation Trust’s site pages about equality and diversity.

If you have any questions, please contact Equality Diversity and Inclusion Manager Navrita.atwal@eastamb.nhs.uk.

Published May 25th, 2017