Ramadan Mubarak!
Hello All,
We’d like to remind you of the following considerations during this special time: Ramadan.
As we enter March, it's important to acknowledge that Ramadan 2026 is on the horizon. Potential commencement dates fall between February 18th or February 19th and conclude either on March 19th or March 20th. Ramadan is a sacred month for over two billion Muslims worldwide. It entails fasting from dawn to dusk for 29 to 30 days as one of the five obligatory acts of worship in Islam. Ramadan is a time for spiritual cleansing, personal growth, community building, and acts of charity.
During this Ramadan, Muslims will wake up between 3AM and 5AM before dawn to eat. After sundown, they will engage in additional acts of prayer late into the night. It's essential to understand that due to the lunar calendar's nature, the start and end dates of Ramadan fluctuate annually. The timing is contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon. Ramadan is followed by the Muslim holiday Eid-al-Fitr which celebrates the end of Ramadan.
Muslim Washingtonians may fast for an average of 11 to 13 hours this year. Particularly during the initial week of Ramadan, individuals may experience sleep deprivation, caffeine deprivation, migraines, low energy levels, and emotional fluctuations as they adapt to the fasting routine.
We have many Muslim employees across Washington’s government enterprise. Here are 5 ways you can help make Ramadan easier for Muslim employees and colleagues:
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Flexible Scheduling: Inquire if Muslim employees require flexibility in their schedules to allow for an earlier or later start time, or a longer lunch. A Muslim’s preference will depend on their personal lifestyle.
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Consideration for Meeting Times: Ask Muslim employees about their preference for meeting times and duration of meetings throughout the week. This ensures inclusivity and respect for their religious commitments.
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Virtual Meeting Etiquette: Ensure Muslim employees feel comfortable with opting to keep their camera off during virtual meetings.
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Workload Management: Ask Muslim employees about the heaviness of their workload and make accommodations to shift their workload if possible.
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Eid-al-Fitr Observance: Allow Muslim employees to either take Eid-al-Fitr off, take a half day, or flex time off. This ensures that they may attend the obligatory prayer in the morning and spend time with family, friends, and community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. As we extend our greetings to our Muslim colleagues during Ramadan, let us all wish each other a meaningful and fulfilling Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak! [translated to “Happy Ramadan!” or “Blessed Ramadan!”]
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Communicating a Washington for All,
The Washington State Office of Equity Team
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