Ramadan Advice

What is Ramadan?

– Ninth month of the Hijri calendar (Lunar calendar)
– Ramadan is an Arabic word; its root “Ar-Ramad” means “dryness/heat.”

• The Lunar calendar is 11-12 days shorter than Gregorian calendar

… therefore, Ramadan is 10-11 days earlier every year.

The significance of Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 4th of the 5 pillars of Islam

1. Shahadah-Declaration of faith
2. Salah-Daily (5) prayers
3. Zakat-Purification of wealth (2.5% of annual savings go to the poor) Zakahis an Arabic word, root “zaka” means to grow, to increase, or to be pure in heart.
4. Siyam-Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory to all adult Muslims except those who are exempt.
5. Hajj-Pilgrimage to Makkah-obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.
Ramadan evening prayer at the Holy Mosque, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Indeed, the month of Ramadan is when the Qura’n has been revealed, a guidance for mankind and a reference to the way and righteousness

Typical Ramadan Activities.

Sahoor:Meal before dawn and the first prayer of the day.
Iftar: Breaking of the fast at Sunset (coincides with the 4th daily prayer).
Ziarat:Social gatherings e.g. visiting relatives, sharing food with neighbours, friends and the poor.
Tarawih:Optional Prayers at early night (20-21hrs*)
Qiraat: Reading of the Qur’ãn during free time.
Qiam:Optional late-night prayers in the last 10 days (02-04hrs*).

• Eid-ul Fitr: The feast marking the end of Ramadan.
• Zakat-ul Fitr: A prescribed amount of money obligatory on every Muslim, calculated to feed one poor person in his region for one day.
• Eid activities include:
– Eid prayer in the early morning.
– Visiting family, friends, neighbours, the sick, elderly etc.
– Enjoying festive meals.
– Modest gift-giving especially to children.
– The greeting on that day is: Eid Mubarak
Eid-ul-Fitr: Marking the End of Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of fasting.

•Physical abstentions and intensification of acts of worship are a means towards attaining the spiritual objectives of self purification and improvement.

•Essentially a month of training used to discipline/prepare oneself for the remainder of the year.

•During the Month of Ramadan be considerate of and supportive to the Muslims around you.

Working with Muslim Colleagues.

1. Try not to invite Muslim colleagues to:
– meetings which include lunch
– meetings extending after 5 p.m.
– department parties (or social events) during Ramadan.
2. Be understanding that it is the most special month in a Muslim’s calendar.
3. It is common to take vacation during the last week of Ramadan.
4. EidDay is off, especially for those with a family.
5. Greeting colleagues saying: “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) is a very nice way to cross into a new culture.
6. If invited to share Iftar, try to make it… it will be fun!


Work site considerations

- Heavy manual labor consideration.

- Be aware of workers who are fasting doing manual work.

- Remind workers to take plenty breaks.

- Promote light duties for workers who normally do manual work.

Remind workers its OK to drink water if you are not feeling well, they should go immediately to the site clinic.