Guidelines for supporting Muslim colleagues during Ramadan

Guidelines for supporting Muslim colleagues during Ramadan

Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn to dusk is one of the obligatory five pillars of Islam. This can make carrying out normal work duties more challenging for those observing Ramadan.

When is Ramadan?

The Islamic calendar is based on a lunar cycle; hence the timings change every year. Ramadan is announced by the sighting of the moon, which is confirmed by local religious authorities. The dates of Ramadan are different each year.

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on 18 February 2026 and end around 19 March 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.

The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. 

What does observing Ramadan involve?

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims taking part in fasting don’t eat or drink between dawn (Fajr) and sunset (Maghrib), this is called fasting. Fasting is important during Ramadan as many Muslims believe it allows them to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to God (Allah). It is a time for good deeds, prayer and community. 

Before sunrise, a pre-dawn meal (Suhur) is eaten. Following this, fasting takes place all day until sunset, when the fast stops by eating a meal (Iftar).

Iftar normally brings together families and members of the community to eat together and is often followed by Tarawih prayers during the night.

How can colleagues show support and consideration?

There are many ways to support Muslim colleagues during Ramadan;

Flexibility with working hours and arranging meeting times are good examples of being considerate for fasting employees as these can help manage fatigue.

Everyone should try to avoid early morning meetings (where possible) to give fasting employees the opportunity for enough rest.

Everyone should try not to organise team events or lunchtime meetings that normally involve eating or drinking during Ramadan (where possible). 

If possible, managers should provide access to a quiet or private space for prayer and be flexible in allowing employees time and space throughout the day to pray.

Everyone should be especially considerate during the last 10 days of Ramadan, as those fasting will have been doing so for a number of weeks already and may feel more fatigued. This is also a particularly important and holy period of Ramadan.

Managers should be particularly accommodating of Muslim colleagues wishing to take leave on Eid day. As Eid is a major celebration and its date is confirmed by moon sighting, a degree of flexibility may be required once it is announced.