Ramadan Kareem - A Message from our Vice President

Ramadan Kareem

(Have a blessed Ramadan)

The month of self-refection and hope

Perseverance and patience are builders for resilience. Undertaken with diligence, these then lead to balance and perspective. These are keys skills for any lawyer.

The month of Ramadan provides an opportunity to develop character and foster the Islamic/British values of tolerance and respect.

Ramadan, to me, is a nourishing of the soul beyond the 'eat clean' dialogue (ironically the month of fasting when food is replaced with additional worship and reflection) - the mind controlling the body; leading to higher feelings of empowerment and humbleness without contradiction. The ego is to be suppressed and selflessness to foster-
supported by a connection to the community with a shared vision.

The month is not just about the hour and minute or when to eat, but a time for Muslims to reflect and gain perspective on goals, intentions, work, spiritual development, and family ties. During the fasting period. The focus is not just about limiting food intake but being mindful of every action and thought, creating a disconnect to the worldly life and encouraging service to others.  Selflessness, together with accountability to a higher level. As the approach to life changes this inevitably leads to individual self-reflection and self-improvement of character, allowing virtues to foster. Developing a sense of integrity and doing what's right even when no-one is watching.

The month of Ramadan brings an opportunity for me to develop further the values required of a career in local government legal practice and commitment to public service. We see many of the core values within the Nolan principles and of course our British values (democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance). These guide us all and enhance the functioning of our society.

What it means in the workplace

Being an inclusive employer, local authorities and colleagues can do a lot to support Muslims working throughout Ramadan. This includes considering flexible working requests, re-examining physically demanding tasks, and granting days off (especially when we get to Eid al Fitr). Above all however, opening a relaxed and informal dialogue about needs and having a conversation about support, together with raising awareness of Ramadan is probably the most important thing to do. Remember also, that some Muslims are unable to fast and are exempt for various reasons including females during the natural cycle, or any person with ill health. This can lead to a feeling of embarrassment for not fasting and a need to justify this to others. Encourage staff to remain considerate and curious without intruding.

From a practical perspective, the opening fast takes place at sunset hence it is best to avoid meetings at that time if possible. If unavoidable, plan in advance and allow a twenty-minute break at sunset to allow time for the compulsory prayer.

If you would like to share well wishes with your colleagues on Ramadan, go ahead and say “Ramadan Mubarak”, (which means ‘happy Ramadan’).

Wishing peace and blessings for all.

Aneeka Muneer Sarwar

LLG Vice President

Manisha Patel LLG, EDI Director said:

"On behalf of the LLG Board I would like to extend warmest wishes to all members who are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims around the world. It is a period of spiritual growth and self-discipline, during which individuals strive for increased compassion, generosity, and kindness.

In recognising the significance of Ramadan for some of our colleagues, and for healthy, inclusive cultures to thrive, we should be aware of, and think of ways in which we can support colleagues from a range of diverse backgrounds, including during significant dates and events that take place throughout the year.

Let us embrace the spirit of Ramadan by extending kindness, compassion, and generosity to one another. Together, we can make this a meaningful and fulfilling experience for all. By deepening our understanding of different cultural and religious practices, we enrich our workplace community and are better able to serve our communities”

Editor’s note: -

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered one of the most spiritual times of the year and signifies the time during which the Qur’an was revealed. It recognises one of the 5 pillars of Islam (the five tenets that uphold Islamic belief in practice) that practising Muslims observe: fasting.

Did you know that other religions and philosophies also fast at times including;  Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Taoism, Jainism, and Hinduism.  Fasting can last for just a few hours or even a few weeks, with many (but not all) practitioners eating at night.  Interestingly, even within a religion, different denominations or sects may fast differently or at different times.