Ramadan at Work

Dates and practices can vary by community. This guide is practical and non-judgmental — and it never assumes who is or isn't fasting.

Ramadan at Work

A practical guide for colleagues, managers and HR to understand etiquettes and practices during Ramadan at work.

You don't need to be an expert to be supportive. A bit of awareness goes a long way.

In 60 seconds

  • 1

    Ramadan is a month of fasting, worship, reflection, and charity for Muslims.

  • 2

    Many people fast from dawn to sunset — no food or drink (including water) during fasting hours.

  • 3

    Not everyone fasts. Some people are exempt or choose not to fast — don't ask why.

  • 4

    Energy can dip late afternoon. Evenings can be busy with iftar (breaking the fast) and extra night prayers.

  • 5

    The first few days can feel like an adjustment; the last ten nights often involve increased worship and later nights.

Want the practical do's and don'ts? Pick your role below.

Approximate fasting window (optional)

Useful for planning meetings and socials. Times vary by method — always defer to local mosque timetables.

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Not everyone fasts — and it's not a conversation topic

Some Muslims won't fast for personal, health, or other reasons. Some will fast some days and not others. A respectful workplace doesn't interrogate it.

  • ✗Don't ask why someone is eating or drinking.
  • ✗Don't quiz people on who is 'really' fasting.
  • ✗Don't treat non-fasting as something to justify.

Boundary scripts (if you need them)

Short“Appreciate you checking — I'm not discussing my fasting.”
Friendly“Thanks — Ramadan looks different for everyone. I'm good, don't worry.”
Direct“I'd rather not talk about it.”

What to say (and what to avoid)

If you're unsure, keep it simple. Offer options, not pressure.

Checking in (colleague/manager)

  • “Hope Ramadan's going well — anything you want me to be aware of?”
  • “Want to move this meeting earlier?”
  • “No pressure either way — just tell me what helps.”

Food situations

  • “We're ordering lunch — want us to include something for later, or skip you this time?”
  • “No worries at all if you're not joining — we'll catch you after.”

Social invites (iftar)

  • “We're doing an iftar — you're welcome. Fasting isn't required.”
  • “Come even if you just want to hang out — totally up to you.”

What to avoid

  • ✗Are you fasting?
  • ✗Why aren't you fasting?
  • ✗That must be so hard — I could never.
  • ✗So you can't even drink water??
  • ✗You seem tired today…

Want something you can send to your team?

Use the print one-pager, or share a role-specific link.

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Dive deeper

If you only read one thing: routines shift. The first days can be an adjustment, and the last ten nights can be later and more intense for worship. Everyone's Ramadan looks different.

FAQ

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Ready-to-use templates for managers and HR: a short briefing, checklists, and printable posters.

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