Ramadan just started! Are you fasting this year? Or do you have friends or colleagues who are? I chatted with a Muslim colleague and learned some thoughtful ways to support fasting coworkers. Here’s what she shared!
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I don’t personally celebrate Ramadan, but yesterday, I had the radio on and caught a few features about it. I had fun learning about Ramadan calendars! Like Christmas Advent calendars, but for Ramadan: complete with a countdown, little treats or surprises. How lovely is that?
The radio features made me realize how knowledge of Ramadan is on the rise in Germany. It also reminded me of a very sweet conversation with a Muslim colleague a while ago.
Towards the end of a meeting, my colleague mentioned how much she was looking forward to breaking the fast that evening with her family. "Wow, she fasted all day?" I thought. That made me curious. I knew the basics of Ramadan, but honestly? Not much more. Which is kind of wild, considering Islam is Germany’s second-largest religion, after Christianity.
So I asked if she’d be open to sharing more. She was thrilled.
(Isn't this one of the biggest perks of working in a multicultural environment? You have little windows into other people's worlds and cultures.)
The first thing she told me: Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. And while fasting is a big part of it, the month is also about introspection, praying, and acts of kindness.
Ramadan at a Glance
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar. So, Ramadan advances by about 10 to 11 days each year. Some years it falls in winter, other years in the middle of summer.
During this holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset—not a bite, not a sip—and also strive to avoid negative thoughts and intimate physical acts. It's a month of discipline, gratitude, and compassion for those in need (including a lot of charity and donations).
At dawn, families and friends gather to break the fast (called iftar), usually starting with dates, followed by a yummy feast. Iftar time is a time of joy, socializing, and plenty of delicious food.
"Wait, Not Even Water?"
Every Muslim has heard this question during Ramadan more times than they can count. Of course, I asked it too and my colleague just laughed because she expected the question.
So, nope, not even water! The amazement is big, especially if Ramadan falls in the summer months. Which gets me thinking about something important: If you share a workplace with fasting coworkers, can you give them a helping hand?
I asked my colleague directly, and she was more than happy to share some thoughtful ways to support Muslim coworkers during Ramadan.
7 Ways to Support Fasting Colleagues
1. Wish them a Happy Ramadan.
✅ A simple “Ramadan Mubarak” goes a long way, it shows respect and appreciation.
🚫 No need for pity. Muslims fast voluntarily and often look forward to the holy month of Ramadan!
2. Be understanding about energy levels.
✅ If possible, avoid scheduling meetings around midday or late afternoon, when energy levels tend to dip.
🚫 Skip comments like “You seem a little slow today.”, they are not appropriate.
3. Offer flexible work hours.
✅ If possible, consider adjusting work schedules, like earlier start times or remote work options.
🚫 If evening events are unavoidable, check in with your Muslim colleague to see how you can accommodate their fast-breaking.
4. Feel honored if you’re invited to iftar.
✅ If you’re invited to an iftar (the meal to break the fast), bring a small gift; some nice organic dates or sweets are always a hit.
🚫 It’s totally fine to decline, but do so kindly. Being invited to celebrate iftar time is a big gesture of hospitality.
5. Be mindful about food.
✅ Eat as you normally would, but maybe skip the dramatic “OMG, this is the best burger EVER” moment in front of a fasting colleague.
🚫 Don’t nudge someone to “just take a sip” of water. A no is a no.
6. Don’t question Ramadan fasting.
✅ If you’re curious, ask politely if they’d be open to sharing their experience.
🚫 Comments like “I could never do that!” or “That sounds so unhealthy!” come across as dismissive and disrespectful.
7. Remember, not everyone fasts.
✅ Some Muslims don’t fast due to health reasons, age, or long travel and that’s totally normal.
🚫 If someone isn’t fasting, don’t ask why unless they bring it up themselves. The reasons might be personal.
Some Fun Facts About Ramadan
📊 How Many People Fast?
In Germany, around 4.7 million Muslims fast during Ramadan each year.
Globally it's over 1.7 billion.
✨ Ramadan Lights Up Frankfurt
This year, Frankfurt has once again lit up the city in honor of Ramadan. Neon signs now glow with “Happy Ramadan”, just like “Happy Holidays” does in December. Love to see it!
🕘 Fasting Times Vary Around the World
Did you know fasting times can be different depending on where you are in the world? The closer you are to the equator, the shorter your fast. For example, Muslims in Reykjavik fast for more than three extra hours compared to those in Melbourne. Pretty wild! Check out the statista graph below for the full comparison.
🎉 Ramadan Ends With a Big Feast
Ramadan ends with a joyful celebration called Eid al-Fitr, one of the two most important holidays in Islam. Food, especially a whole lot of sweets, plays a central role at Eid al-Fitr, that's why this holiday is also known as the Sugar Feast. Nom! So sweet.
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One last thing that really moved me (and no, I don’t get emotional over political speeches too often!): the German Chancellor’s Ramadan greeting for 2025. A small but powerful reminder of hope and compassion.
So, on that note: Ramadan Mubarak and a big thank you to my colleague! 💛
Wishing you planty of delights (at iftar time),
Ramona
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