News & Announcements

Happy Ramadan!

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This week marks the beginning of Ramadan this year and ends on April 9th. People all over the world, here in St. Louis, and many colleagues and patients will celebrate and observe Ramadan. As we work towards a culture that values diversity and a community that strives to foster belonging, we thought it might be helpful to share a little information about Ramadan and how to be respectful of those who observe it.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year for Muslims, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is, or should be, visible. Ramadan is remembered as the month in which the Prophet Muhammad was revealed the first verses of the Qur’an and includes fasting, extra worship, charity as well as special family and community time, particularly around breaking fast together. 

Why and how do Muslims fast?

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, and pilgrimage. Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset for the entire month of Ramadan. The fast includes refraining from food, drink and intimacy during daylight hours. It is meant to be a time of deep spiritual contemplation and reflection of one’s relationship with God. It is also a time of celebration and joy to be spent with loved ones. Additional goals of fasting include reconnecting with the Qur’an, cultivation of good character, increase in willpower and self-control, and feeling compassion for others.

The first pre-dawn meal of the day during Ramadan is called “suhoor.” Each day’s fast is broken with a meal known as “iftar.” Traditionally, a date is eaten to break the fast. Iftars are often elaborate feasts celebrated with family and friends

At the end of the Ramadan, which this year it will be on April 9th, Muslims celebrate the conclusion of Ramadan with a holiday called Eid al-Fitr which means “Festival of Breaking the Fast”. The holiday is celebrated with special prayers, gifts and lots of good food!

What can one do to be respectful of Muslim students, trainees, staff, faculty and patients observing Ramadan?

  • Wish them a “Generous Ramadan (Ramadan Kareem)” or a “Blessed Ramadan (Ramadan Mubarak)” or simply say “happy, blessed and successful Ramadan”
  • Expressing a genuine curiosity and willingness to learn about Ramadan
  • If possible, schedule department parties or food outings after April 9th (That’s when Ramadan ends this year)
  • If possible, eat your really good smelling food somewhere away from them. While many Muslims do not mind others eating around them, do avoid offering food to them during Ramadan. 
  • If possible, managers can allow flexibility in schedule, particularly during Eid al-Fitr
  • If possible, and with the patient’s consent, do not schedule appointments that require patients to have a full stomach or have drunk liquids
Here are some additional resources to learn more:

In Partnership,
ODEI