Ramadan Mubarak!
This guide has been prepared by the Canadian Muslim Lawyers’ Association (CMLA) for firms to better understand the potential accommodations required by Muslim employees who may be partaking in increased religious engagements for the month of Ramadan. This year, Ramadan commences on Monday, March 10th or 11th and ends on April 9th or 10th, depending on the lunar calendar. Eid- ul-Fitr is the celebration following the last day of fasting.
Understanding the reasons behind Muslims' fasting and the significance of Ramadan enables better anticipation of the requirements of Muslims during this sacred month.
Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, meditation, acts of charity, self-betterment, and fostering connections with God and their community. In addition to fasting from sunrise to sunset, many Muslims also participate in nightly prayers, which are held past midnight. There is cultural diversity in how Muslims practice their spirituality. Nonetheless, the final ten days of Ramadan typically witness a surge in late-night activities. Although Ramadan typically brings joy, this year has emerged as a solemn month, marked by our reflection on the resilience of Muslim communities worldwide.
Below are a list of things your firm can do to support and accommodate individuals who are fasting during this month:
1. Learn about Ramadan and how it is practiced by Muslims
Muslims fast (no eating or drinking water) from sunrise to sunset in Ramadan.
Fasting is a private act for worship and there may be many reasons why a person may not be fasting at a particular time (i.e. illness, travel, menstruation, pregnancy, nursing, etc).
Fasting is done by Muslims for many reasons including growing closer to God, practicing spiritual discipline, becoming more empathetic and patient, and empathizing with the less fortunate.
Muslims also practice good deeds, charity, increased prayer, and more recitation of the Quran during this month.
2. Be open to religious accommodations requests
Under human rights legislation, employers have a duty to accommodate religious requests to the point of undue hardship. Be open to listening to your Muslim employees on what kind of accommodations they require during this month.
Accommodating employees during Ramadan helps them maintain their health, wellbeing, and energy. This fosters an inclusive workspace and supports employees to be as productive as possible.
Some common accommodations include:
Providing a dedicated and quiet prayer area
Covering for colleagues when they need to break their fast.
Being flexible with scheduling and vacation requests.
Being considerate when scheduling events during this month that may involve food
Making allowances for individuals to pray at certain times during the day - this could include going to the mosque for Friday prayers
3. Flexibility is helpful
During Ramadan, Muslims stay up late praying past midnight and wake up early to eat before sunrise.
It is helpful for Muslim employees to allow flexibility regarding start and finishing times for work or remote work options.
Try to not schedule meetings around break-fast (Iftar) time (around sunset). If not possible, organize a colleague to cover for Muslim employees while they take the time to break their fast.
4. Involve Muslim and Non-Muslim Employees
Celebrating Ramadan is one of the best ways to make Muslims feel included in the workplace. Plan an Iftar for employees with fellow colleagues, where the topic of Ramadan can be shared and attendees have the opportunity to ask questions. This brings the community and firm together and fosters understanding and knowledge of what Ramadan is about.
If you’re really ambitious, try fasting for a day. This could be done in support of a charitable cause.
5. Eid-ul-Fitr
The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, is based on lunar cycles. Because of this, it may be difficult to ask for time off in advance and Muslims may ask for holiday requests to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr (“Eid”) the day before. Ramadan ends when the next full moon is sighted, or it completes 30 full days of fasting. Please be considerate with last minute holiday requests so that Muslims may celebrate Eid with their loved ones.
If you would like to speak to the CMLA or you need support, please contact us at info@cmla-acam.ca