At OneAdvanced, we pride ourselves on our diverse and inclusive workplace culture. This is especially evident during the holy month of Ramadan, where our Muslim colleagues observe a month-long fast from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is one of the most sacred times of year for Muslims, as they dedicate their time to observing fasts, giving to charity, studying the Quran and remaining in continuous worship and prayer.
We spoke to Faisal Musa, our Senior People Partner to find out his perspectives on what Ramadan means to him.
What is Ramadan and why do we fast during it?
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It’s a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and deepened connection with God (Allah). Fasting, also known as Swam, is one of the Five pillars of Islam, which means it’s a core practice of faith. From dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from food, drink (yes, even water!), and other physical needs as an act of devotion, and self-control.
However, Ramadan is much more than fasting; it’s also about cultivating generosity, practice charity, embrace patience, and fostering mindfulness in all aspects of life.
What does a day in the office look like during Ramadan?
For me, a typical workday during Ramadan starts early – before sunrise – with Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal. It’s essential for me to eat something filling and nourishing (like porridge oats, a banana, some dates) and hydrate well, as this will sustain me till sunset. Then, after morning prayers (Fajr), I begin my working day as usual.
Colleagues in India, the UK, and other office locations, experience fasting differently due to time zone variations. For example, while I may be breaking my fast in the evening, my colleagues in India would have already broken their fast a few hours earlier as they begin fasting much earlier than we do in UK.
In the mornings, I generally feel alert and focused, but as the day progresses, particularly in the late afternoon, I may feel more tired due to lack of food, water, and sleep (since Ramadan also includes late-night prayers called Tarawih).
By sunset, I break my fast with Iftar, usually starting with dates and water, followed by a full meal. After this, many Muslims spend part of the evening in extra prayers before resting for a few hours and waking up again before dawn to repeat the cycle.
How is Ramadan being celebrated in the UK and India office?
As part of our commitment to inclusivity and cultural awareness, we celebrate Ramadan across all our offices, including those in the UK and India. The usual prayer spaces are available for use throughout Ramadan. Additionally, we are excited to host an Eid gathering on Wednesday 2 April, where all colleagues are welcome to join. On this day, we invite everyone to bring dishes from home to share with colleagues. This is an opportunity to gather, and support our fasting colleagues, embracing Ramadan’s core value of community and togetherness.
For all those observing Ramadan, OneAdvanced wishes you a blessed and fulfilling month. We are grateful for the diverse perspectives and experiences our colleagues bring to the workplace. Together, we make this Ramadan at OneAdvanced a meaningful and memorable experience.
Ramadan Mubarak!