Celebrating Ramadan: Mominah's story

By Mominah Ali, Talent Resourcing Partner

​During this sacred month for those observing Ramadan, Talent Resourcing Partner, Mominah Ali, shares her experience of Ramadan and outlines the importance of the holy month for all Muslims.

A blessed month of the Islamic calendar
As Muslims, we believe Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was first revealed, so we fast as an act of worship. Fasting teaches us to practice gratitude, patience and self-restraint. Doing so shifts the focus onto spiritual health, as well as many physical benefits to intermittent fasting!

​Fasting can be initially challenging
Many of us experience withdrawal symptoms from the caffeine, nicotine and sugar that come from various foods. Of course, this does create healthier habits. For myself, I am grateful that Guidant allows flexible working, meaning I can work from home which makes things easier for me at least!

​I do believe that working in a role where you must commute, or any other physically demanding position would make fasting far more difficult. Some do find it easier however as it can make their day go faster – it’s all to do with perspective!

Once you get into the habit of fasting, it most definitely becomes easier
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, so every Ramadan month moves up by 10 days every year. This year has certainly been the easiest so far as we are fasting before the summer months, which is about 14 hours of fasting.

​Support at work
The flexible working aspect at Guidant has played a huge part in allowing me to feel a lot more comfortable fasting during this sacred month. Many of my colleagues have also been fantastic in showing me support, whether that’s making accommodations and adjustments, or just checking up on how I’m doing.

​Knowing that my colleagues have an understanding of what Ramadan is and why Muslims observe it is always nice as I feel like my personal and professional identity is fully embraced at work!

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