Posted: 05 / 04 / 2023
Ramadan Mubarak to all of our colleagues and contacts within the Sedulo network!
In order to shine a spotlight on this holy time of spiritual reflection and self-improvement, we caught up with some of our Muslim colleagues. They provide details of their fasting tips, explain what Ramadan means to them, and discuss how those within the Sedulo Group can show respect and support.
Name: Jawad Anjum | Role: Commercial Finance Director | Office: Leeds
What does Ramadan mean to you?
For me, Ramadan is a month of self-reflection, prayer and fasting to increase spirituality and faith, all in remembrance, and for the pleasure of our lord, Allah.
Faith is something that takes a dip over time and Ramadan always seems to come at the perfect moment to create a conscious reaction to being better.
The end of Ramadan is the point your faith is at its peak and it’s very difficult to maintain that throughout the year, I’m not sure where I’d be and what I’d be doing if I didn’t have the month of Ramadan to cleanse, rebuild and renew the purpose of life each year…
What’s the best way that colleagues can show support or respect during Ramadan?
I personally like to treat my time at work as though it’s any other day throughout the year, so just be normal…
I don’t want people to feel they can’t eat or drink in front of me, there was a suggestion that the daily breakfast is not put out in the bar (which was thoughtful and had genuine intention) but that isn’t necessary, I’d like everyone to go about their day as usual.
(If you fast) Do you have a favourite meal to break your fast with?
The immediate consumption is dates and water, however, my favourite meal is a balanced roast dinner with lots of crispy potatoes and steamed veg, followed by a cheeky dessert now and again.
What’s the one thing you wish your non-Muslim colleagues knew about Islam?
The misconception of Islam is that it’s an oppressive and hateful religion which is heavily due to media portrayal. I’d like people to know that it’s the opposite, it’s a peaceful religion that encourages good behaviours, prayer and worship.
What are you most looking forward to about Eid?
Eid is all about spending time with my family, initially that means my wife and 3 children, followed by a broader celebration with extended family and friends.
Overindulgence will take place!
Name: Zaheda Khan | Role: Payroll Advisor | Office: Manchester
What does Ramadan mean to you?
Ramadan is a very special and touching month, I am grateful for what I have and feel lucky. Ramadan reminds me that those less fortunate sometimes don’t have food, clothing, and shelter and that prayers are all they rely on.
I practice my obligations as a Muslim all year round but there are times when I prioritise other things first or I take things for granted, which is easily done. Ramadan refreshes my mindset and brings self-discipline, and self-control back into place.
Ramadan is about fasting and giving to charity… and being grateful for what we have.
Ramadan is very meditating for me, I love devoting more time to reading the Quran and feasting with family and friends.
What’s the best way that colleagues can show support or respect during Ramadan?
I may need a little nudge to tell me to leave what I’m doing and go and pray, it’s Ramadan!
If you see me about to drink water or accidentally eat, stop me! It’s rewarding and you have just given charity by saving a Muslim from breaking their fast at the wrong time.
Please don’t mind if I am yawning, as I may have been praying all night. Please don’t mind if I don’t speak much, or don’t join in food or party events for a month.
(If you fast) Do you have a favourite meal to break your fast with?
I love opening my fast with dates and rose milkshakes (ru-afsa falooda).
My favourite meal would have to be a spicy chicken/meat biryani with salad to go with it.
What’s the one thing you wish your non-Muslim colleagues knew about Islam?
Islam is PEACE!…
We’re all going to go to our graves, but no money, assets, or family are able to go with us. I know that I’ve shared knowledge in my lifetime, and given to charities which have provided support for others. This has helped me to live a fulfilled life, and when I pass away, it will help me in the afterlife.
What are you most looking forward to about Eid?
Having all the family and friends together, for me three generations of families. Starting the day with EID prayers and well-wishing every known and unknown person “Eid Mubarak!”.
Lots of food, again!
Visiting our deceased at the cemetery and praying for them.
…And then it’s party time – music, games, fun, dancing, being pampered, dressing up in partywear, doing makeup, and best of all receiving gifts and love from our elders.
Name: Khadijah Ali | Role: Trainee Forensic Analyst | Office: Leeds
What does Ramadan mean to you?
Ramadan is a very spiritual time for me, the month is a time of giving, self-reflection, togetherness, and the expression of gratitude for the blessings in one’s life.
It allows me to feel the hunger and thirst that may be felt by those who have little or no food, or clean water to drink. This makes me appreciate the smaller things in life, creating a desire to feel grateful and uplifted in my day-to-day life.
What’s the best way that colleagues can show support or respect during Ramadan?
· Being mindful and considerate to those who are participating, and avoid booking drink/food-orientated meetings.
· Try not to act anxiously around those who are observing Ramadan, colleagues who are fasting will not expect you to do the same; you do not need to be secretive about eating and drinking.
· Provide a safe and quiet space for colleagues to pray so they can have a moment during the day to reflect on their fast.
· Try being mindful when booking meetings, and book for the mornings when the individual who is fasting has more energy compared to the second half of the working day.
(If you fast) Do you have a favourite meal to break your fast with?
I love opening my fasts with fruits (especially watermelon). After not eating for 18+ hours, the stomach tends to shrink which means when you open your fast with something light and nutritional, it can help with your energy levels.
After we open our fast, we will attend prayers in the mosque, this will help us digest anything eaten prior, so we can eat again after the prayers.
Sometimes the occasional fry-up is mandatory to open your fast with, however, the sluggish feeling after isn’t the nicest!
What’s the one thing you wish your non-Muslim colleagues knew about Islam?
1. The word “Islam” literally means “peace”.
2. Jesus, (peace be on him), is regarded as a blessed Prophet in Islam.
What are you most looking forward to about Eid?
EATING!
… and also spending time with people you have not seen for a while. We all dress up and go to family and friends’ households to eat lots of yummy food and exchange gifts.
There are two Eids during the course of the Lunar year, Eid Ul-fitr (which is to celebrate the end of Ramadan), this tends to last for 2 days. The 2nd Eid which is called Eid Ul-Adha (which is to celebrate the end of the annual pilgrim) this Eid tends to last for 3 days. The celebrations tend to last the entirety of Eid.
Name: Safwan Rahman | Role: Compliance Trainee | Office: London
What does Ramadan mean to you?
Ramadan for me is a very important month that brings me closer to my religion and allows me to reflect a lot deeper on the important things in life. Especially about the struggles many people who are in poverty and less fortunate go through.
It’s a month that also pushes me to become a better person in the way I carry myself and interact with people, and also helps keep me more grounded.
What’s the best way that colleagues can show support or respect during Ramadan?
Fortunately, the colleagues I work with are very nice and understanding people, so naturally, I already feel supported. Also, having flexible hours and a working-from-home policy means that I can start a bit later, allowing me to get more sleep which is quite important during this month as I will be up quite late most nights.
(If you fast) Do you have a favourite meal to break your fast with?
When breaking your fast, it’s good to eat something healthy and quite light – so I like to have some soup and some grilled chicken.
What’s the one thing you wish your non-Muslim colleagues knew about Islam?
I’d want my non-Muslim colleagues to know that Islam is very much a religion of peace that welcomes all.
What are you most looking forward to about Eid this year?
Being able to enjoy lots of delicious food and seeing family that I haven’t seen in a while.
Name: Zarak Zaman | Role: Senior Corporate Finance Associate | Office: Manchester
What does Ramadan mean to you?
Fasting in Ramadan really teaches you and helps you practice patience. Knowing you are not allowed to eat or drink most of the day, there’s really nothing else like it. It helps you practice deeper control of your mind as you convince yourself to stay away from consuming anything.
It also gives me mental clarity. When you’re fasting, you really have no energy to overthink situations, which is actually quite refreshing. There’s no point spending time wondering what the hidden meaning is behind someone’s comment, or contemplating why someone looked at you a certain way.
Fasting also lets you hit the reset button on some bad habits that may have formed. Abstaining from food and drink isn’t all, but that in itself helps you stop constantly snacking or consuming large amounts of coffee during the day, which most of us feel dependent on.
It also means abstaining from other negative behaviours such as swearing, arguing and being disrespectful etc. So it really does make you consciously aware of where you’re going wrong and learn to fall out of some of these habits.
What’s the best way that colleagues can show support or respect during Ramadan?
I think my colleagues are all very understanding and supportive. I know there will be times when I will struggle to keep up with certain things or take longer to complete a piece of work so I’m hopeful they appreciate that I’m still trying to work hard, given the circumstances!
(If you fast) Do you have a favourite meal to break your fast with?
Any type of curry with rice or a naan bread!
Homecooked meals always – the sodium content in fast food and ready meals will make the following day a lot tougher!
What’s the one thing you wish your non-Muslim colleagues knew about Islam?
Islam is all about respecting non-muslims and their beliefs.
What are you most looking forward to about Eid?
Although I live away from my family, it makes me feel closer to home.
My dad, brother and I would go to the early morning prayer and pick some breakfast food on the way back, and my mum would have already made some food at home. We would all hug each other and congratulate each other over Eid. We’d then take lots of photos together as a family. It was simple but felt so special.