22
March
2023
|
13:22 PM
America/Chicago

Let's Learn About ... Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan begins on the evening of March 22 and lasts through April 20 or 21, pending when the new moon is seen in the U.S. 

Followers of the Islamic faith will celebrate Ramadan by fasting, giving Muslims a period of spiritual reflection. 

During the coming weeks, you may find some of our patient families, neighbors or coworkers celebrating Ramadan. With that in mind, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide some helpful information about this Islamic holy month. ​

When does Ramadan start? 

Ramadan begins the evening of March 22 and lasts through April 20 or 21, pending when the new moon is seen in the U.S. 

ChapelIf I am a Muslim, where can I go and pray?

We have a chapel on the second floor of the Main Building at Cook Children's Medical Center - Fort Worth.  We have prayer rugs available.  Sacred texts of various religions are also able to be utilized in the chapel.

In Prosper, both chapels and the Meditation Room are free of all food and drinks, making them a perfect place for prayers during Ramadan to occur. Sacred texts are out and available in the Prosper chapel. To request a prayer rug, please reach out to chaplains at Prosper.

How do Muslims celebrate Ramadan?

Followers of the Islamic faith will celebrate Ramadan by fasting, not eating or drinking any food or water from dawn to dusk each day. These fasting periods can range from 11-16 hours per day. Before fasting each day, Muslims will begin with a pre-fast meal called “suhoor” and then begin the “iftar,” the first prayer of the day.  

This ritual of daily fasting gives Muslims a period of spiritual reflection.  

Here are a few tips and best practices to keep in mind during the month of Ramadan:

Be aware of potential side effects of fasting. During this time, some people may experience low blood-sugar levels and/or be more tired.

Allow for flexibility, if possible. If possible, try to accommodate anyone who will engage in the required prayer five times a day. This includes allowing time for breaks and trying to provide a quiet, private space for prayer.

Consider Ramadan when scheduling events or meetings. Try not to center mandatory workplace meetings or gatherings around food and beverages. If this is not possible, be respectful that Muslim employees in attendance will not be eating. 

Appropriate greetings include:

  • Ramadan Mubarak
  • Blessed Ramadan
  • Happy Ramadan
  • Ramadan Kareem
  • Generous Ramadan

Ramadan 2023Do all Muslims have to fast during Ramadan?

Muslims who reached the age of puberty and are of good physical and mental health are expected to fast. But those for whom fasting may be a hardship are not required to fast (i.e., people with diabetes). 

What are the Muslim Holidays?

Many people are not aware that Muslims do not celebrate the traditional American Holidays, as the Islamic Holidays are two: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. The first, Eid Al Fitr is the celebration that follows after the 30-day month of fasting of Ramadan.

What is the holy day of the week for Muslims?

The holy day of the week for Muslims is followed on Fridays, where congregations are held in the afternoon with an Imam, followed by a prayer and takes place in the afternoon. 

Learn more:  https://www.diversityincbestpractices.com/diversityinc-digest-ramadan/