We are taking the time to reflect on how much work is left for us to do in advancing diversity and inclusion for our Muslim colleagues, both within the professional community and beyond.

About Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of intense spiritual reflection for the Muslim community. For religious matters, Muslims follow a lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon. Throughout the United States and the rest of the world, Ramadan traditionally begins and ends based on the sighting of the first crescent of the new moon. This holy month commemorates the first verses of the Quran being revealed to Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, and they break their fast after sunset with a meal referred to as iftar. At the end of Ramadan, the Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday also called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, celebrates the month-long period of worship. Food, games, and presents for children are important parts of the festivities, as friends and family spend the day socializing, eating, and reuniting with old acquaintances.

Self Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever spoken to a Muslim colleague, friend, or peer about Ramadan?
• Do you understand the importance of the first crescent of the new moon, and why, traditionally,Ramadan begins and ends around the sighting?
• Do you know why and how Muslims fast?