Working with families during Ramadan
This month many of our colleagues and the families we work with will be fasting for Ramadan. In this blog, we explore what Ramadan is, and learn how to be more inclusive as a social worker when working within Muslim communities.
What is Ramadan?
Every year Muslims gather to celebrate the creation of the Quran, which usually lasts for 29 to 30 days. It takes place on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. This is a time for communal prayers, self-reflection, and charity.
Fasting is important during Ramadan as it allows Muslims to come closer to Allah. By temporarily depriving the body of what it needs, they forge room for spirituality and introspection. In doing so, they cultivate concern for those less fortunate.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslim families will eat before dawn (Suhoor), and then break the fast with a meal after sunset (Iftar).
Children are not obliged to fast until they are about 11 or 12 years old. From an early age, however, they join the celebratory meals in the evenings and can practice a half-day fast to learn self-control. This starts in the afternoon, and they learn to recite the prayer representing the intention to fast.
However, not all Muslims will be fasting. It is a personal choice, and there are many reasons why, such as:
health issues
menstruation
pregnancy
if they are travelling
If they’re unable to do so, they usually donate food or money to the poor instead. Ramadan is also a chance to uphold the importance of community. This often comes in the form of sharing food with neighbours or giving to charity within their means.
How to show your support:
1. Be mindful when scheduling visits
It's important to be respectful of religious practices, particularly during Ramadan. Avoid scheduling appointments during times of prayer; devout Muslims always pray five times a day, and these prayers take on added significance during Ramadan. The Salat (five daily prayers) are as follows:
Fajr: observed before sunrise
Zuhr: observed after noon
Asr: observed in late afternoon
Maghrib: observed after sunset
Isha: observed at night
Be flexible if they need to reschedule visits or cannot meet at certain times. Children are encouraged to wake for Suhoor, so they may sleep in later to make up for lost sleep.
2. Consider how you visit
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Avoid bringing any snacks to visits during fasting hours to be respectful.
3. Offer support
Ramadan can be a time of spiritual reflection and personal growth, but it can also be a challenging time. As a social worker, it's important to be understanding and mindful of the emotional and physical demands of fasting. This can help to build a positive and trusting relationship with Muslim families.
4. Show your interest
Why not use it as a focal point for interactions with children around their identity and faith? Some younger children will fast for short periods of time, so you could use this as a chance to praise their efforts to build confidence.
And finally - reach out to your Muslim friends, neighbours, and colleagues. Questions, conversation, and collective celebration are great ways to increase awareness and inclusivity. If you have any questions about Ramadan, Islam, or the best ways to provide support, don't be afraid to ask.
