image of prayer beads, mat, dates and a cup of water

Ramadan 2022: A Collection of Support Resources

Author: Cassie Myers

Ramadan is a sacred month recognized by Muslims around the world. During Ramadan individuals fast and abstain from things considered impure for the mind and body between the hours of sunrise (Fajr) and sunset, this enables them to focus on prayer and connecting with Allah (Muslim Hands). When Ramadan happens depends on the lunar calendar, this year in North America it is expected to start on April 1st and end on Sunday May 1st as the last day of fasting. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated for 2-3 days with prayer, family, friends and gifts (Muslim Hands).  

It is important that people honoring days of significance feel like they are supported and they belong all year long. There are evermore things that allies and organizations can do to ensure this for those recognizing Ramadan this year. We created a list of resources you can use to do this.

Those who recognize ramadan represent a diverse group of individuals, the resources are meant to help inform your wider learning experience, but might not be representative of all of those recognizing ramadan. If you know of a resource you think should be included in our collection, email us at hello@lunariasolutions.com 

BEING IN COMMUNITY WITH THOSE RECOGNIZING RAMADAN 

4 ways to support Muslim friends and family and counter Islamophobia this Ramadan by Dina El-Rifai, for American Friends Service Committee

An iftar-guide-for-non-muslims by Aali Akmal for Al-Talib 

ENGAGING WITH SOMEONE RECOGNIZING RAMADAN AS AN ALLY

Do’s and don’ts by Hudha Famy @yesimhotinthis 

A comic strip of a series of images. Including an email with the subject line ramadan, flexible hours, avoiding scheduling afternoon meetings, allow working through lunch and an early end time, not offering your two cents, asking people what works for them, being ok eating lunch in front of those fasting, donating to charities during ramadan and avoiding networking, coffees or potlucks during ramadan.

Inclusive language to use during Ramadan by @_Changingmindsets

graphic with heading that reads "inclusive language during the month of ramadan" two columns are shown one with the heading instead of: and the other reading "Try this" 

Paragraph text reads "instead of You poor thing, it must be so difficult for you, try I have so much admiration for your commitment to your faith. Instead of, Oh how come you're not fasting like the others, say nothing at all . No one should have to justify their reasons for not fasting. Instead of saying its going to be difficult to accommodate time off with you, say i know how important it is for you to have this time off, I will try my best to accommodate. Instead of, if youre not eating, do you want to jus twork through your lunch break to get this finished, say, i appreciate you are not eating but please ensure you take regular breaks throughout the day "

Ramadan Greetings by Pratyush Srivastava for Zamzam.com 

RAMADAN IN THE WORKPLACE

How employers can show team members they care by Imani Bashir 

Screenshot of linkedn post is shown reading “Ramadan is vastly approaching. It’s imperative that if you have Muslims that work for you that you reduce their tasks for 30-days! Ramadan is an older concept than the foundation of the USA, so this isn’t an ask but more of a tell!

Here are ways you can show your Muslim employees that you care:
1. Offer them Friday’s off (PTO-style)
Friday is the Islamic holy day.
2. Find extra money to offer them an iftar once a week. Maybe through their paycheck or an additional bonus. Iftar is the meal eaten when the fast is broken.
3. Allow the 3 full days off for Eid. Because Ramadan and Eid are based on the moon, Muslims are not always able to give a lot of notice as to when, so grant grace and understanding!
4. Ask how you can show up for them in this month. ☺️??

Ramadan at work 2021 by Lunaria Solutions

Ramadan in the workplace e-book by Muslamic Makers

Know Your Rights  This Ramadan:  Religious Rights in the Workplace by Muslim Advocates (American legal perspective) 

LEARNING ABOUT RAMADAN 

Ramadan Fact Sheet for Non-Muslims and Converts Who are New(er) to Islam  by @hautehijab

Header and Feature Image by Rauf Alvi on Unsplash ❤️

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