As the holy month of Ramadan soon approaches us, believers worldwide are beginning their Ramadan preparation to embark on a roughly 1400-year-old rite of fasting.
The Islamic month of Ramadan is a time for Muslims to concentrate on prayer, dua, Quran and strengthen their relationship with Allah (SWT). As part of their obligatory fast, you will observe millions of Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
If you are part of a multicultural country or community, you will notice that a major chunk if not all your Muslim friends, coworkers, and neighbours will change their routine during the month of Ramadan to accommodate fasting and prayer.
Though it might be taxing on the mind and body, most Muslims would swear that Ramadan is their favourite month of the year for them.
It is time they get to spend with their loved ones and build community. During this fast, they will avoid all food and liquids (even water) and bad behaviour.
Your Muslim friends have probably already started their preparations for Ramadan. Now, you might wonder, What can I do to help my friends, and how do I prepare myself for Ramadan?
If we take the time to learn ways to prepare for Ramadan, we can make a significant difference in their celebration of this holy month.
Keep reading to learn all about Ramadan prep and more!
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5 Ways to Show Support for Your Muslim Friends During Ramadan
Ramadan is when practising Muslims worldwide celebrate fasting. Although the precise dates of Ramadan vary yearly, it is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Every year, for the 30 days of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide devote themselves to strengthening their faith.
Muslims will continue as usual with their daily lives, including working, socialising, and participating in all public life while fasting.
So here are some tips to help you show your support for those of us who fast during the holy month, make it easier for them and prepare for Ramadan yourself!
1. Feel Free to Ask about Any Curiosities You Have
Ramadan may be a mystery to many who aren't Muslims. Muslims eat while the sun isn't up, contrary to the popular belief that they go the entire 30 days without eating.
Most Muslims are happy to answer inquiries from friends and coworkers, so don't be ashamed of your ignorance. Sharing one's emotional support is an integral part of Ramadan.
Be it school, college, or office, there might be only a handful of Muslims, and even they might be feeling lonely with no one to share their Ramadan experience with.
So, having someone to even talk with can be a huge blessing! If you inquire about the meaning of Ramadan from someone you have a deep connection with, that's an excellent start!
2. No Worries About Eating or Drinking in front of Muslims!
During Ramadan, Muslims will abstain from all forms of liquid and food consumption; including water. As devout Muslims, we know this and make every effort to do it. Every day, we resist the temptation to break the fast.
Adult Muslims usually know how to control their eating and drinking unless they are not interested in fasting or are forgetful.
So don’t feel guilty about indulging in a meal or drink in our presence! Instead, we’d not use our energy to make you feel better about something for which you shouldn't be sorry.
All you're doing is allowing us to practise the self-control we've been working on. But of course, when we visit or meet you, please don't make us feel bad about turning down your food, drink, or water offers.
3. The Best Way To Wish Someone a Joyous Ramadan Is -
To greet one another, most Muslims say Ramadan Mubarak. The sentence translates to Have a happy and blessed Ramadan or Happy Ramadan in Arabic. According to USA Today, you can also say Ramadan Kareem, which means have a kind Ramadan.
So, saying Ramadan Kareem is all it takes to wish someone a pleasant Ramadan. Whether or not you are a Muslim, it is a beautiful way to recognize the month.
Say it to greet your friends casually or when ordering your favourite takeaway!
4. Steer Clear of Asking a Coworker Why They Aren't Fasting if You See That They Aren't
Since menstruation cycles aren't exactly the most engaging topic of conversation at work, it might be better to refrain from making a public spectacle out of a Muslim woman's lack of fasting while she's on her period. Muslims also don't fast while they're sick or travelling, among many other reasons.
A Muslim might not be fasting for a variety of reasons. Depending on the person, some may have their roots in religious teachings, while others may be more empirical. If you want to know if someone is fasting, ask them. Don't force the issue if they don't want to talk about it.
If they only opt not to fast, it can come across as critical of their religious practice. Also, you risk putting yourself and that individual in an uncomfortable position. Unless someone wants to disclose it, the world has no business knowing why someone isn't fasting.
5. Celebrate the Spirit of Ramadan Together With Your Muslim Friends!
Non-Muslims have several opportunities to assist and show solidarity with Muslims who observe fasts, even if you choose not to fast alongside them.
Why not offer to pay for your dear friend's iftar (breakfast) or dinner if they come to your house? You can also join your Muslim friends for Iftar and celebrate and have a meal together!
Remember, Ramadan is all about helping others. So, anything you do to help others is a way to celebrate the month with your beloved Muslim friends. Bring a dish over to your neighbour's house so they won't have to cook for their kids if you have one.
Think about helping people experiencing poverty, people without homes, and other vulnerable people by donating money, food and clothing.
Have a staff member who is struggling? Get them dates, tea, milo, bread, sugar, water, canned milk, and fruits to help them start and break their fast.
If you find yourself with a Muslim after sundown, you might want to arrange and provide water if they are fasting.
