Ramadan has started and many Muslims are bracing themselves for the question, “Not even water?” It’s been turned into sweatshirts, countless memes and even a guide to help non-Muslims better understand Ramadan.
Muslims worldwide have started fasting from sunrise to sunset and abstain from eating and drinking. And yes, that means not even water.
Here are ways you can support your Muslim colleague or friend during this holy month:
"Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak" are phrases you can use to wish your Muslim colleague or friend.
One of my favorite things about Ramadan is the elevated sense of community. Some could be immigrants, away from their families and you can support them by enjoying iftar together or asking them to share their traditions with you. One of my favorite memories is going for late-night prayers and then enjoying halwa puri (traditional Pakistani breakfast of deep-fried bread, chickpeas and a sweet semolina pudding) with my friends — and it’s a story I love to share.
When I was an undergraduate student, I invited my friends over for a one-dish iftar party and everyone brought their favorite food to share. It was my way of recreating memories of my family gathered around the iftar table.
As a community, we collectively laugh at this question just because of how frequently we get asked it. For Muslims, fasting is about more than just giving up food and water for a part of the day. It is about abstaining from false deeds, avoiding dispute and letting go of bitterness or resentment. It is an opportunity for us to reset and examine our worldly attachments. Ramadan is about moral and ethical discipline as much as it’s about physical abstinence.
Some common terms you hear during the month of Ramadan:
If you know someone who identifies as a Muslim, do not assume that they are fasting. Muslims are exempt from fasting for different reasons, such as if they are sick, pregnant, traveling or breastfeeding. People also practice their faith in different ways, while some choose to observe the fast, others don’t.
Comments about weight are never OK. For Muslims, the fast is a way to connect with God and check their privilege even — it is a time of charity. While food is a big part of Ramadan activities for many cultures, it isn’t the most central part.
Some Muslims are also battling eating disorders during this time and comments like that can be triggering.
If you must plan a social or gathering during fasting hours, be thoughtful about making food the central focus or organizing to-go boxes for those fasting.
As the day progresses, Muslims tend to have low energy levels — for some like me, the caffeine withdrawal hits hard. Schedule group project meetings in the morning ideally or after iftar hours if possible.
This story first published at USC Annenberg Media on April 1, 2022.
