Celebrating Ramadan in the workplace: The experience of hosting an Iftar with BEqual

Recently I had the pleasure of hosting an iftar with BEqual, Bolt Burdon Kemp’s diversity group in our Clubhouse space with the support of colleagues Karley Hewitt and Evelyn Germain. This event provided an opportunity for me to share both the significance of Ramadan and a delicious meal.

Ramadan is a month of reflection, gratitude, and community observed by millions of Muslims around the world. It is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, followed by Iftar—the evening meal to break the fast.

Ramadan emphasises the importance of coming together as a community to support one another. Families and friends often gather for iftars and/or at the masjid, which creates a sense of togetherness and accountability. Ramadan is the holiest period of worship for Muslims. The month lasts a period of 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon, and appears to shift forward approximately 11 days each year as the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. During Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims fast from dawn until dusk, no food or water.

Fasting provides Muslims with the opportunity to acquire a sense of control over their needs, desires and distractions, giving them room for a heightened sense of introspection and their purpose in life.

Iftar

Iftar traditionally begins with dates and water, followed by a wholesome meal. Muslims are taught to break their fast by eating dates with a glass of water before eating their main meal. This is because it is a Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). The Prophet (PBUH) would break his fast with fresh dates, so no matter what culture one comes from, all Muslims around the world will follow this tradition.

In the same spirit, we provided everyone with a date and a glass of water to break our fasts. We selected a diverse menu featuring a range of dishes such as samosas, lamb, chicken as well as including vegetarian and vegan options to cater to different dietary needs. Ramadan decorations were put around the office to highlight the festivities and the joy of Ramadan.

Many friends and colleagues expressed interest in learning more about Ramadan and more specifically about the importance of dates. It was heartwarming to see coworkers from different backgrounds come together to experience an iftar. The simple act of sharing a meal sparked deeper connections, allowing us to appreciate each other’s cultural backgrounds and have a greater understanding of each other’s faith.

Muslims often host game nights, movie marathons or go out to grab a sweet treat after the meal. Similarly, we finished the night with a delicious mint tea, baklava and board games.

At BEqual, we are excited and committed to celebrate more religious and cultural festivals this year. We recognise that embracing diverse traditions fosters a sense of belonging and helps build stronger and more connected teams. BEqual is committed to bringing people together in the spirit of understanding, respect, and community.

Please keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events!