Ramadan is a lunar event, so the exact dates change yearly. The dates for 2018 from the evening of 15th May to evening of 14th June ("Melbourne Ramadan calendar 2018," 2018). Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and is considered the holiest, it is acknowledged by Islam as the month in which Prophet Mohammad received the word of Allah through the Angel Gabriel. During this month “Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining totally from food, drink, smoking and other sensual pleasures to complete one of the five pillars of Islam and to achieve greater self-discipline, self-purification, and compassion for those less fortunate.” ("Ramadan," 2016). Fasting is mandatory for all Muslims past the age of puberty who are physically and mentally able to. Muslim believe they gain compassion, a renewed focus on spirituality patience and discipline, social interaction and character through the fasting during the month of Ramadan.
It is particularly important to be aware of Ramadan if you are working in an environment with a large Muslim population, especially with youth who may or may not have adjusted to the multiple hours of fasting yet. As with all things show compassion if someone is a little flustered or forgetful during this time.
As well as the fast video there is a fact page from the Islamic Council of Victoria I want to share, the facts in there are useful if this something that will affect you professionally or is of interest. It covers the whats, hows, whys and terminology associated with Ramadan.
No offence is intended if I have used any terms I shouldn’t as a non-Muslim or if my facts are off.
References
Melbourne Ramadan calender 2018. (2018). In Melbourne Prayer Times. Retrieved May 5, 2018, from http://melbourneprayertimes.com/melbourne-ramadan-calendar.html
Mobily. (2014, June 2). Ramadan guide for non-Muslims. [YouTube Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkQpUGIGG_M
Ramadan. (2016). In Islamic Council of Victoria. Retrieved May 5, 2018, from https://www.icv.org.au/about/about-islam-overview/ramadan/
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