Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide. It lasts for a period of 29 or 30 days and culminates with the first day of Eid which is likely to fall on 30 March 2025. Exact dates are subject to sightings of the moon.
Traditionally Ramadan is a time for communal prayer, spiritual reflection, and meals with extended family and friends to break daily fasts, concluding with the community celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr.
Many NHS staff who are Muslim will participate in a daily period of fasting, starting at dawn and finishing at sunset over the month. This means abstaining from food, drink (including water) and smoking. While the fast is an important part of Ramadan, it is also a time of self-reflection, self-evaluation, increasing worship and charitable deeds.
Not all Muslims will observe the fast in Ramadan, either out of choice or because they are religiously exempt. Fasting is both a communal and individual experience and one that many Muslim staff and communities will look forward to.
The benefits of accommodating religious beliefs and practices in the workplace
- By supporting fasting colleagues during Ramadan, managers and NHS organisations can improve staff wellbeing, productivity and strengthen the sense of belonging within the workplace.
- According to Muslim census, if Muslims feel their workplace is supportive during Ramadan, they are twice as likely to stay at their current place of employment.
Ramadan and health
Ramadan fasting brings significant changes to routines with no hydration or oral medication permitted during fasting hours. For this reason and others, staff with long-term health conditions undertaking certain roles or shift patterns may need to review their health prior to commencing fasting. This will allow them to make informed choices, minimise complications and maximise the benefit of their fast, as well as operational effectiveness at work.
Those who are acutely ill are exempt from fasting, as are individuals who have medical conditions that cannot be safely managed during Ramadan. Staff may wish to speak to their doctors, occupational health, or religious authorities for more information about this.
Acclimatisation is a significant factor for helping staff observe Ramadan. Medical teams may suggest periods of trial fasting to help understand what can safely be achieved. Staff should be encouraged to have these conversations well in advance of Ramadan so any reasonable adjustments can be catered for in good time.
See The Muslim Council of Britain Ramadan Health Guide for more information about health during Ramadan.
Ramadan and workplace activities
Ramadan is a highly social festival with much emphasis on the two main meals of the day. Many people will be having their meals to open the fast (iftar) at sunset with friends and families. Some staff may open or begin their fast at work, invite colleagues to an iftar, or organise an iftar in the workplace for colleagues. Managers can help support staff in this and chaplaincy services are usually happy to be of assistance as well.
The pre-dawn meal (suhoor) requires people to wake up earlier or eat their main meal late during a night shift. Evening prayers can extend into the late night are also observed in Ramadan and this may lead to additional sleep cycle disruption for some. Staff may request flexible working patterns to accommodate for these changes in routine.
Supporting staff observing Ramadan
Accommodating religious belief and practices during Ramadan is about being responsive to employees’ needs. It is about offering flexibility around existing holiday entitlement, working patterns, or break periods and it does not necessarily mean additional time off.
The end of Ramadan is marked by observing the festival of Eid Al-Fitr and with a special prayer on the morning of that day followed by social gatherings. The date of this is dependent on the sighting of the moon, so colleagues may be uncertain of when to request leave. If leave is not possible, staff may ask for flexibility to attend morning prayers.
Observing staff may also wish to organise activities like charity fundraising in Ramadan, as acts of goodness are believed to have additional spiritual rewards during the month. The last ten days of Ramadan also hold special value and leave requests may be more common in this period, particularly the last few days of Ramadan.
Staff should have access to nearby facilities to perform their ritual washing (ablutions) and five daily prayers, as these are increased in observance during Ramadan.
