April 8, 2022

Ramadan Mubarak

We here at SAFS wish our Muslim friends and colleagues a blessed Ramadan! Ramadan is is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a holy month. Those who are able fast from dawn to sunset every day for the whole month. The month is a time for prayer, reflection, charitable giving, and spending time with community. This year, Ramadan began on April 2 and will end around May 2 (exact dates depend on the moon). The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr (sometimes referred to simply as Eid), which is celebrated with prayer, a big meal, gifts, and sweets.

For those who are celebrating Ramadan, we wish you a safe, healthy, and joyful month with family and friends. The Muslim Student Association at UW hosts activities and has a list of resources, and the Islamic house is holding prayers throughout the month. If you need sample language to request religious accommodations for the month and/or Eid specifically, the organization Muslim Advocates has put together some template letters to request accommodations for Ramadan and Eid or just Eid. (There are likewise template letters for parents to request accommodations for their child for Ramadan and Eid or just Eid.) Additionally, here is some information on your rights to religious accommodations for Ramadan at school and at work.

For those who are not celebrating Ramadan, please be mindful during this month that some of your colleagues may be fasting, so they may need to participate in less physical activity or may not be particularly interested in grabbing a coffee with you. When in doubt what someone is comfortable with, ask politely! To wish people a happy Ramadan or Eid, you can say “Ramadan/Eid mubarak” (blessed Ramadan/Eid) or “Ramadan kareem” (generous Ramadan).

We wish everyone a wonderful start of spring, and Ramadan mubarak to our Muslim community members!