How to be Inclusive During Ramadan

Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims across Brain Sciences observing and celebrating Ramadan.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and fasting during Ramadan is the pillar of the Islamic religion. During Ramadan, Muslims worship Allah (God) through fasting which requires a person to refrain from consuming food and drinks from dawn until sunset every day for a month.

Tips to being inclusive during Ramadan:

Even if you are not observing Ramadan, there are a lot of things you can do (and some you might want to avoid) to make your workplace or learning environment a supportive and inclusive space for anyone who might be fasting and observing Ramadan.

Be curious, but positively curious!

Try to learn why your colleagues, students, or peers are fasting and observing Ramadan. It can be a simple ask or even a read on the internet- but if you ask, ensure you ask appropriately and at a convenient time. Being open to learning will increase your cultural competence, which is always a good thing in diverse environments such as UCL.

Flexibility goes a long way

While flexibility is already promoted within Brain Sciences, individualised flexibility during this period is important to maintain. If you are aware a colleague is observing Ramadan, offer any adjustments necessary where possible such as shortening meetings, avoiding scheduling meetings outside UCL hours (10 AM – 4 PM), and for line Managers- consider adaptations to break times.

Avoid micro-aggressions

Microaggressions are subtle examples of racism, prejudice, or bias that can be unintentional, but nonetheless very harmful. Microaggressions can be described in this context as “not even water?”, “If you have a little snack, will God be unhappy with you?”. As mentioned before, if you are curious, just ask respectfully.

Be aware exemptions exist during Ramadan

Be mindful that a Muslim may not be fasting at all or for certain periods of the month for different personal reasons. Some reasons a person may not be fasting can be; they are unwell, they are mensurating, they are pregnant, or they may suffer from a chronic illness.  Being aware of such possible reasons that are considered sensitive and personal should prompt how you approach possible conversations with those observing Ramadan.