Ramadan Mubarak | Blessed Ramadan
Message from Acting Chief Operating Officer Dr. Nadjete Natchaba
Ramadan is the Muslim holy month and most of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims submit to a fast. Ramdan is a lot more than just not eating and drinking. It is a time for Muslims to re-evaluate their spirituality, seek deeper personal connection with God, reflect on their blessings, celebrate with love ones and commit to becoming better versions of themselves through fasting (sawm), giving charity, and strengthen community. As commonly said, ” Ramadan is a time to starve the stomach to feed the soul.”
Islamic tradition notes that it was during Ramadan, on the Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) – commemorated on one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, usually the 27th night – that Allah (God) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Qurʾān, Islam’s holy book, “as a guidance for the people.
Ramadan begins tomorrow March 23rd and ends on April 20th with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Sweets). Many of our S:US staff, people served, and community members observe Ramadan, and we can support their spiritual journey as they fast daily from dawn to sunset. Here are some direct ways you can be supportive:
- During the holy month, be flexible with scheduling and assignments to allow for prayer and fasting
- Ask how you can be supportive before offering your support.
- Use “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” or “Blessed Ramadan” as greetings rather than “Happy Ramadan”
- Please don’t ask a Muslim whether they are observing fasting since it can vary for everyone
- The month-long fast during Ramadan is part of the Islamic faith, so don’t appear shocked that a Muslim is fasting without food or drink
- Please know that it is not offensive to eat in front of your fasting co-workers
Salam to our Muslim Community and Ramadan Mubarak!