Fostering belonging and inclusion in Ramadan

Muslims across the globe are celebrating the Holy month of Ramadan this March. Ramadan began in Canada on March 1, 2025, and many members of the University of Waterloo Muslim community are observing this month of fasting and prayers.

What is Ramadan/ Ramzan about?

Ramadan/ Ramzan is a sacred month for the Muslim faith, where those observing it refrain from any food and water from dawn to sunset. This would translate to 12.5-hours to 14-hours long fasts (accounting for the varying sunrise and sunset times through the course of this month). Muslims dedicate the month (which can be 29 or 30 days long) to fasting, charity, spiritual reflection, seeking forgiveness and bonding with community. They often engage in long late-night prayers. Most people understand that Muslims may be a little low on energy during the day, but most don’t know that they also might be sleep-deprived.

What is the Eid al-Fitr holiday?

The month-long observance of Ramadan is followed by the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, a joyous time when Muslims celebrate by wearing beautiful clothes, enjoying delicious food with friends and family, and exchanging gifts. The celebration lasts up to three days.

It is important to note that since Muslims follow a lunar calendar, the start of a new month depends on the sighting of the new moon, which means Ramadan can be either 29 or 30 days long. This means that the exact day of Eid al-Fitr isn’t always known in advance. While some Muslim communities, especially in the West, use astronomical calculations to predict the date of Eid, many still follow the traditional practice of waiting until the new moon is physically sighted before confirming the day of celebration. This means that different communities — even within the same region — may celebrate Eid on different days, reflecting the rich diversity of Muslim traditions and practices.

Fostering belonging and inclusion for the Muslim community on campus

In keeping with University of Waterloo’s values of inclusivity and working together, here are some practices that foster the feeling of belonging within the Muslim community on campus.

• Flexibility/ Accommodations– Allowing flexible work and learning schedules can go a long way in accommodating the needs of Muslim students and colleagues during this month. Consider offering flexibility in dates for deadlines or presentations to help accommodate fluctuating energy levels and altered schedules during Ramadan. Shorter meetings can also make it easier for those fasting to stay focused.
• Be mindful of Eid – If a test or exam falls on Eid, consider offering Muslim students the option to take it on an alternate date. Similarly, Muslim employees may need time off to observe Eid as part of their religious practice.
• Plan inclusive gatherings – Scheduling office lunches or potlucks for after Ramadan ensures that everyone can join in and feel included.
• Create prayer-friendly spaces – In addition to the multi-faith prayer spaces around campus, if existing prayer spaces are far from work or study areas, consider setting up temporary prayer areas closer.
• Support flexible break times – Allow Muslim students and employees to adjust their break schedules to accommodate prayer times and energy levels.
• Just ask! – Proactively asking Muslim students and colleagues on how to best support them during this month removes the labor of ‘requesting accommodations’ from them. However, avoid prying questions on why they are or not fasting- the reasons could be deeply personal, and while some might like to talk about their experiences and choices, others might not.
• Check the list: It is always a good idea to check the University’s list of Religious and Spiritual Days of Observances before planning and scheduling events.
• Learn something new: Learning about traditions and terminology around Ramadan helps contextualize the experience of Muslims in the community. It also helps bond over shared understanding of the rituals and practices. Here are two simple guides for FAQs around Ramadan: A simple illustrated guide to Ramadan and About Ramadan.