Victor R. Rahman’s Post

I wish all my friends, colleagues, business partners and connections a very blessed month of Ramadan, I echoed the nice following message from my friend Mohamed El Daly. Today marks the beginning of the sacred month of #Ramadan, observed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims worldwide fast for 30 days from dawn until sunset, abstaining from eating and drinking. This period is dedicated to spiritual enrichment and reflection, with added prayers and introspection aimed at purifying the mind, body, and soul and fostering a deeper connection with God. To support your Muslim colleagues and employees during this time, consider the following actions: 1. Extend warm wishes by saying “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem,” conveying your hopes for their blessed month. This small gesture can make a significant impact. 2. Practice respectfulness. There's no need to apologize for eating or drinking in their presence, as those fasting anticipate your usual routines. 3. Avoid assumptions. Not every Muslim fasts during Ramadan due to health issues or specific religious exemptions. Rather than inquiring why someone isn't fasting, offer your support. 4. Propose flexible working schedules and breaks. Since energy levels might vary, accommodating adjustments in work hours or break times can be greatly appreciated. 5. Foster awareness and education among your team about the importance of Ramadan. This effort aids in building an inclusive and respectful workplace culture. 6. Facilitate time off post-Ramadan for the celebration of ‘Eid’. 7. Ask your Muslim colleagues if you're curious about Ramadan and its practices. And if you're wondering, “Not even water?” the answer is, indeed, not even water. 🙂 I wish you and your loved ones a joyous, healthy, and prosperous Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem! This nice photo is from our house decorations.

Celebrating Eid and Bridging Knowledge Gaps! ✨🌙 Eid is the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, where Muslims come together to celebrate and give thanks for the blessings of the holy month. It's a time of joy, gratitude, and unity among families and communities. As we embrace Eid, let's also take a moment to learn about Ramadan. During Ramadan, we sent out a survey to our community, and we're thrilled to share the results with you! Here are the top three questions that sparked some curiosity: 1. The word 'Ramadan' stems from an Arabic word 'Ramad' -- What does it mean? 📚 Answer: 'Ramadan' comes from the Arabic root word 'Ramad,' meaning 'scorched heat' or 'dryness.' It signifies the spiritual purification and self-discipline observed during this sacred month. 2. What significant event took place in the last 10 days of Ramadan according to Islam? 📚 Answer: The last 10 days of Ramadan mark a period of heightened spirituality and devotion. Among the significant events is Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. 3. What is the meal after sunset called? 📚 Answer: The meal after sunset during Ramadan is called 'Iftar.' It is a special moment of breaking the fast, often shared with family and friends. These questions shed light on areas where knowledge can be enhanced, and we're committed to fostering understanding and learning within our community. 💡 Together, let's continue to learn, share, and celebrate together.🌟 Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones! 🌙✨ #EidMubarak #RamadanReflections #CommunityLearning #shaweducationtrust

Ramadan Mubarak! To all of my connections who are starting the holy month of Ramadan, I wish you a month filled with peace, joy, and spiritual growth. May this holy month bring you closer to your loved ones and strengthen your faith. To my connections who aren't, here are a few truths about Ramadan to help you to talk to, empathise with, or support, your colleagues who are. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won't eat or drink during the hours of daylight. Fasting allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith. So it's partly about deprivation, but it's a more about the positive intent to be more present. During Ramadan, it is common to have one meal (known as the suhoor), just before dawn and another (known as the iftar), directly after sunset. While it's not necessary, you can ask your colleagues if they would like any special accommodations. Someone may appreciate the openness to tell you they need time to pray, or to leave on time. Wishing a coworker "Happy Ramadan" isn't offensive or inaccurate. Most Muslims use the Arabic phrase "Ramadan Mubarak," which translates to "have a blessed Ramadan" or "happy Ramadan, to greet each other. The English translation "Happy Ramadan" works just fine. If you notice a coworker isn't fasting, try not to publicly ask why. Muslim women don't fast when they are on their periods but there are many other reasons why Muslims don't fast, like during illness or travel. At the same time, don't make things awkward by apologizing if you eat in front of them. And definitely don't make jokes about your colleague not having coffee or eating lunch. To support your Muslim colleagues, don't be afraid to ask them questions to learn more. They'll welcome your interest and the discussion, it's an important and special month for them. #DiversityandInclusion #Inclusion #Leadership #GlobalAndInclusive

With friends and colleagues starting their Ramadan month from today, I thought this article gave a good overview so we can all understand and respect the month ahead! Alaa Samsam, Mal Konfu and all others in my network, RAMADAN MUBARAK!

May this holy month bring you peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. May your prayers be answered, your fasts be accepted, and your hearts be filled with love and compassion. As we embark on this sacred journey together, let us strive to make Ramadan a time of positive change and growth. 🌙✨ Ramadhan Al-Mubarak! 🌟🤲ASQ Consulting Group Malaysia #unitylove #happyenterprise #taxexperts #asqconsultinggroup

The blessed month of Ramadan is fast approaching with less than a week to go!! Next week you will most likely hear the phrase Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem - both of which equate to happy Ramadan! A month celebrated and cherished by many Muslims globally, it is a chance for Muslims to reflect on their positive and negative traits, A chance to build good habits, and a chance to strengthen their religious beliefs. As it is my first Ramadan whilst working, I decided to practice my presentation skills by preparing a small and brief slideshow for my team. To help them understand what Ramadan entails, what I will be going through, and what they can do to help! The best thing you can do as a Muslim colleague or if you work with Muslim colleagues is to communicate. Discuss working times to accommodate the change in sleeping patterns, prayer times, and small frequent breaks to ensure you are taking care of your physical health (especially with no lunch break). If you don’t celebrate Ramadan, try to give it a go! Keep a fast along side your Muslim colleagues and experience what it feels like to fast (it’s not as hard as it seems, I promise 😉) And lastly, no, not even water…

🌙 Reflecting on Ramadan: Lessons Learned 🌟 As we enter the last 10 days of Ramadan, I can't help but feel immensely grateful for the profound lessons this blessed month has imparted upon me. Here are some reflections on what I've learned during this sacred time: 1️⃣ Gratitude: Ramadan has reinforced the importance of gratitude in my life. Fasting from dawn till dusk has made me truly appreciate the blessings I often take for granted, from food and water to the love of family and friends. 2️⃣ Self-Discipline: The discipline required to fast teaches invaluable lessons in self-control and willpower. Through abstaining from food, drink, and other indulgences, I've learned to harness my inner strength to overcome challenges. 3️⃣ Empathy & Compassion: Fasting fosters empathy towards those who are less fortunate. It's a reminder of the struggles many face daily, prompting me to extend a helping hand and contribute to making a positive difference in the lives of others. 4️⃣ Spiritual Growth: Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. Through increased devotion, prayer, and reading of the Quran, I've experienced profound spiritual growth, deepening my connection with my faith and with the divine. 5️⃣ Community & Unity: Ramadan brings people together in a spirit of unity and solidarity. Whether breaking fast with loved ones or joining in communal prayers at the mosque, the sense of belonging to a wider community is truly uplifting. 6️⃣ Graciousness: The practice of giving and receiving forgiveness during Ramadan teaches the importance of graciousness and humility. It's a time to let go of grudges, mend relationships, and strive for inner peace. As Ramadan draws to a close, I carry these lessons forward with me, striving to embody the values of gratitude, self-discipline, empathy, spiritual growth, unity, and graciousness in all aspects of my life. May these lessons continue to guide and inspire us beyond this blessed month.🌟🌙 #RamadanReflections #EidMubarak #Gratitude #Unity #SpiritualGrowth

As billions of Muslims globally will embark on the sacred month of Ramadan soon, I wanted to share 10 friendly reminders to both myself and you, especially in the professional environment: 1) Try to be considerate towards colleagues who are fasting by avoiding early morning or late afternoon meetings. An email or call could be a more thoughtful approach. 2) If possible, offer flexible working hours to support altered prayer and meal times, and encourage taking breaks even if they're not for lunch. 3) When greeting Muslim colleagues, a verbal greeting is always safe and respectful, especially as physical contact with the opposite gender may not be customary. 4) A simple 'Ramadan Kareem' or 'Ramadan Mubarak' can go a long way in making someone feel acknowledged. And if you're thinking of a small gift, dates are a thoughtful choice for breaking the fast. 5) For any outdoor field missions, try to minimize the time in the sun to avoid additional fatigue for those fasting. 6) Interested in showing solidarity? Consider fasting for a day or join a colleague for Iftar, the meal to break the fast, to experience this important aspect of Ramadan. 7) Curiosity about Ramadan and fasting is welcome; engaging in open conversations can enrich workplace diversity and inclusion. Beyond the office: 8) Encouraging or respecting someone's commitment to prayer, fasting, or charitable acts during this time can be a meaningful gesture of support. 9) Use this time to uplift others, possibly even with a quiet prayer for their well-being. 10) Remember, Ramadan is more than abstaining from food; it's a period of self-improvement, growth, and emerging as a better version of oneself. Let's embrace this month with understanding, respect, and support for our Muslim colleagues and friends. Happy Ramadan to those observing! 🌙✨ #Ramadan #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkplaceCulture #share Note: This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024 and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, and while these are the calculated expected dates of Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon sightings or lack thereof.

☪ To all my fellow Muslims, I wish you all a Ramadan Mubarak! 🤔 Why is this important? - Acknowledgment, support, and flexibility can go a long way toward creating an inclusive working environment and helping our colleagues who observe Ramadan. ❓ Did you know? - Millions of Muslims worldwide will observe the month of Ramadan by fasting during daylight hours while still carrying out their daily activities, including work. 🕌 What is Ramadan, and what is the goal? - Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which follows a 12-month lunar year of about 354 days. - The month traditionally begins and ends based on the sighting of the new moon. - Each fast starts before dawn and ends at sunset, meaning abstaining from food, drink, and smoking. - The ultimate goal of fasting is to attain greater God-consciousness, known as "taqwa" in Arabic, which signifies a constant awareness of God. 🔎 What might an inclusive practice look like? - It is essential not to assume that all Muslims fast during Ramadan. Instead, we aim to build a non-judgmental, supportive, and welcoming environment so that our Muslim colleagues observing this month can feel comfortable disclosing if they are fasting.   🤝 What might support look like? - Revisit working patterns of the day and schedules to provide some flexibility to those fasting. - Please take time for prayer throughout the working schedule. - Avoid using language like you're crazy for not eating and drinking because it's religiously insensitive. - Encourage fasting colleagues to update Gmail, calendar, Slack out-of-office schedule, and preferences for changes this month for team visibility and support. ❣ Thank you all, and I hope this beautiful month is healing, restorative, beneficial, and has all the blessings, inshallah. 

The month of Ramadan is a few days away. I am very excited about it. It always comes at the right time. I wanted to make this post to highlight the significance of this holy month, help educate others who are not informed about this topic, and spread awareness. ⭐️ What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (hijri) calendar and is one of the holiest periods for Muslims. Ramadan lasts an entire month, approximately 29 or 30 days (depending on the moon’s sighting). Muslims refrain from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. ⭐️ Why is Ramadan important? Ramadan is a very significant and virtuous month for Muslims around the world. It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Furthermore, fasting is a fundamental aspect of our religion, as it is one of the pillars of Islam. For many Muslims, it is a period when they make the most of prayer and worship, as it holds endless blessings and rewards for performing good deeds. It is like recharging our spirituality and soul. Throughout the month, we have the chance to build good habits and erase bad ones, strengthen our patience, reflect on our actions, give charity, and practice gratitude. ⭐️ What to consider as an employer or colleague: Whatever profession you are in, it is important to embrace diversity and inclusion. Therefore, you should do your own research on this holy month and speak to your Muslim employees. It is essential to try and accommodate and support them to the best of your ability, whether this is by having a prayer space, scheduling meetings slightly later during the day, or giving them the chance to perform worship or rest during their breaks. These simple adjustments go a long way and speak volumes about the type of place you work in. By helping your Muslim colleagues throughout this month, you will be a source of encouragement and see them really appreciate your help, which can even boost their productivity. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments 💬 #ramadan #diversityandinclusion #career #law