Whenever you’re not accustomed to the sentiment and the which means behind Ramadan, it may be exhausting to know find out how to navigate the conversations round it, particularly whenever you’re round colleagues and pals who will likely be observing.
If you wish to be supportive with out by accident coming throughout as insensitive – I’d say that’s already an excellent begin to start with. On behalf the Muslim neighborhood, I’m right here to advise you on precisely find out how to help these round you which can be observing in the course of the holy month of Ramadan.
The excellent news is that Ramadan, amongst different non secular observances, is now not “a taboo” matter to speak about – be it in an expert setting or an informal chat amongst pals. Fortunately, we’ve moved previous the instances when there was barely any celebration or visibility on what might be the most important occasion in each Muslim’s calendar. With this in thoughts, you’re undoubtedly greater than welcome to deliver up or interact in conversations round Ramadan, with out having it look “bizarre” or “misplaced.” And that’s precisely why the next suggestions are of the utmost significance:
Present curiosity
Don’t be afraid to ask your Muslim colleague or a good friend about Ramadan and what it means to them, you’d be stunned at simply how glad they’d be after they’re introduced with a chance to share one thing so close to and pricey to their coronary heart. Attempt to do that with a relaxed method and don’t bombard them with a collection of doubtless insensitive questions and feedback like, “Why would you set your physique by way of this voluntarily?” or: “that is wild, I’d by no means signal as much as this.” As a substitute, attempt to begin with one thing easy to provide them a chance to open up, for instance: “What does Ramadan imply to you?”
Don’t really feel “sorry for them”
As a Muslim, I can’t inform you what number of instances I’ve heard one thing alongside the strains of: “I’m sorry it’s important to undergo this,” or “I really feel so unhealthy for you,” or “you poor factor.” Having spoken to some of my Muslim pals, we’ve all agreed that though we don’t actually are likely to take these feedback to coronary heart, it actually turns into a bit irritating after they pile up over time. Let’s clear this up as soon as and for all: Ramadan is just not a torturous job.
Quite the opposite, Muslims very a lot sit up for it yearly. It’s a time for celebrating neighborhood, household, self-reflection, mindfulness and a lot extra. All of this really places us in a really constructive mindset – so you’ll be able to think about how listening to such “sorry” feedback is likely to be de-motivating, and at instances, irritating. Granted, I’m not right here to disclaim the truth that going with out consuming and consuming isn’t exhausting, however what many individuals don’t know is that Islam really exempts some individuals from fasting who wouldn’t be capable of deal with it in addition to others, together with these on their interval, pregnant or ailing.
Actionable acts of help
Whether or not your purpose is to help your colleague or a good friend to indicate that you just’re genuinely there for them, there are undoubtedly various actions that you would be able to begin with.
