Ilm al Nafs

Navigating Ramadhan as a Muslim Practitioner

With Ramadhan fast approaching, many of us in the Muslim community are gearing up for a month of spiritual reflection, fasting, and increased devotion. However, for psychological practitioners, balancing the demands of work with the observance of Ramadhan can present unique challenges. Fasting while working requires careful planning and open communication with colleagues and clients to ensure that religious obligations are met without compromising professional responsibilities. In this article, we'll explore some strategies for navigating Ramadhan in the workplace as a psychological practitioner.

Ramadhan is more than just refraining from eating and drinking. It’s a month wherein Muslims focus on improving their spirituality and God-consciousness.

‘O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that may become righteous.’ Quran 2:183

Help your colleagues understand what Ramadhan is about and how you observe the month. Colleagues may notice changes in Muslim colleagues during this month and they must remain understanding and empathetic to individual needs. Organisations such as Amaliah and the Muslim Council of Britain have written helpful guides that managers and staff can read to gain a better understanding of this month.

Requesting flexibility in your schedule

This Ramadhan Iftar will approximately be between 5:30 pm– 7:30 pm which leaves very little time after work to prepare for the breaking of fast (for those on a 9-5 shift pattern).

• Have a discussion with your line manager to consider flexible working hours and explore the possibility of working remotely. On the days when you are required to come into the office or work on-site with clients, you can explore the possibility of leaving earlier to ensure you are home for Iftar.

• If your work setting does not have a designated prayer room, discuss your need for a quiet space for prayer where you can go for short periods throughout the day, whether for prayer or to recharge.  

• Be sure to space out your meetings with colleagues and clients, allowing enough time for you to rest in between sessions. The healthcare sector can be ruthless when it comes to scheduling so aim to give yourself that time!

Many of us will want to make the most out of this month, and that means we may be taking on extra responsibilities. Whether it’s taking on an extra case or volunteering between work, it’s important to continue practicing self-care throughout this month and only agree to do what you can.

Open Communication with Clients

Naturally clients may also be curious about Ramadhan and may be aware you are fasting, particularly if you are visibly Muslim. As such, clients may ask you questions around this in sessions. We find that it can be helpful to be open about your experience of fasting and allow a brief conversation around it should it be mentioned. Often this can help to strengthen the therapeutic relationship and foster trust and understanding. Though it is also important to remain boundaried, and we recommend you speak to your clinical supervisor who can guide you further on how to navigate such discussions.

Being Mindful of Differences

You may find that your clients or colleagues do not observe Ramadhan in the same way that you do, it is important to avoid making assumptions and remain mindful of differences within our community. It is helpful to take a non-judgemental and curious stance and to explore how the client relates to Ramadhan. This can help you to explore what their specific cultural and religious practices are and what is meaningful to them. Where appropriate, it may be helpful to incorporate such aspects of their faith and spirituality into sessions. However, as always, it is important to seek further guidance from your clinical supervisor and formulate collaboratively in supervision.

Adjustments and Advocating for Clients

Your clients may ask for adjustments during Ramadhan to observe the month, it is important you aim to accommodate such adjustments, in the same way you hope your manager would for you. It is important to strike a balance and ensure you are considering service needs and what is within your capacity and remit. Although, not all clients will feel comfortable asking for adjustments, as such it is important you consider this and open the conversation for clients.

Depending on your setting, you may also find that you will need to advocate for your clients, this may be particularly true if you work in an in-patient setting where there are imposed restrictions. Advocating for clients may feel daunting, especially within hierarchal medical models, however, it is important to remember your position of power and your responsibility to utilise it. You should consider if clients have appropriate access to resources they may need (e.g. Quran, prayer mat, etc.) and access to a clean and safe environment to pray. We have found it’s easier to advocate for clients when you have the backing of other members of the MDT, often occupational therapists will assist in organising and sourcing resources for the ward.

Potential Difficulties

Ramadhan may be particularly hard for some clients, and we should be aware of potential challenges that may arise during this month. There may be feelings of shame, guilt, and loss for clients who are unable to fast. We should also be mindful of how fasting may cause fatigue or irritability due to changes in routine and sleep patterns, all of which can impact one’s emotional well-being. It is important to be aware that we do not all experience this month the same way, from your colleagues to your clients, we all have our hardships, and we will be on different journeys.

If you are working with a client who may struggle with their faith or has difficulty around this time, it may help to explore a risk formulation in session and revisit any crisis/safety plans. Clients may also cite their faith as a protective factor, as Muslim practitioners we are uniquely placed to explore this. However, as noted earlier, we mustn't impose our own beliefs unknowingly and leave room for curiosity about the client's experience.

As we are all aware, the humanitarian crisis and ongoing genocide in Palestine will be affecting our communities. Israel's brutal occupation does not cease in Ramadhan but rather historically amplifies. Remember to look after not only your colleagues and clients but yourself during this month. May we remember the oppressed everywhere during this month, from Palestine to Kashmir.  

May Allah help us to continue developing as practitioners so that we can be of service to our communities, and may He allow us to make full use of the blessed month ahead, Ameen.

1.    Muslim Council of Britain – Ramadhan Guide

2.    Amaliah - Ramadhan Guide