Article: Honoring Your Muslim Colleagues

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Honoring Your Muslim Colleagues

Resources for Ramadan and Religion in the Workplace

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honoring colleagues and employees who celebrate Ramadan

The ninth and holiest month of the Islamic year traditionally begins with the sighting of the new moon. This time of spiritual and physical purification commemorates the revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad on Lailat ul-Qadr. Fasting during this month is one of the five fundamental religious duties of Islam. The fast ends when the new moon is again sighted. Dates for Ramadan in 2006 (Islamic year 1427) are September 24 thru October 23. (From ProGroup's Honoring Differences® Diversity Calendar)

Last week I was interviewed by a reporter for a national newspaper who was doing a story on companies that accommodate their Muslim employees during the month of Ramadan. Shortly thereafter, I got three calls from clients asking if they should do something special for Ramadan. I also noticed commentaries about Ramadan in several publications, including a gourmet food magazine. Frankly, this is the first year in 20 years of diversity consulting that I have seen this level of interest, so I decided to provide some resources about Ramadan for you to use and pass on to others. While not an exhaustive list, these resources will help you learn more about the holiday and lead you to additional information if you want to go deeper. Hopefully it will also trigger some conversations with your Muslim colleagues!

As I put together these resources I contacted Tasnim McCormick Benhalim, one of our consultants, who has taught me a great deal over the years. She advised me to remember that "Ramadan is a deeply spiritual observance." So, if you are interested in learning about this month and how you can honor your employees and colleagues during this significant time of the year, here are some links to check out:

Greetings you can use
Understanding beliefs and traditions
Sharing Ramadan, a pdf.
Workplace Accommodations
About the foods of Ramadan
Also available is the Religion in the Workplace book, a resource for being inclusive of persons who celebrate Ramadan, Yom Kippur, or the occasions of any religion.

By the way, this is one of the rare times when Ramadan and the Jewish Holidays of Rosh Hashanah (The Jewish New Year of 5767) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) coincide. Many Jews around the world will be fasting from Sunday (October 1) evening to Monday (October 2) at sundown for Yom Kippur as they spend the day in personal reflection and prayer.

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