Bellrock Group’s Post

I wish all my friends, colleagues, business partners and connections a very blessed month of Ramadan, I echoed the nice following message from my friend Mohamed El Daly. Today marks the beginning of the sacred month of #Ramadan, observed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims worldwide fast for 30 days from dawn until sunset, abstaining from eating and drinking. This period is dedicated to spiritual enrichment and reflection, with added prayers and introspection aimed at purifying the mind, body, and soul and fostering a deeper connection with God. To support your Muslim colleagues and employees during this time, consider the following actions: 1. Extend warm wishes by saying “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem,” conveying your hopes for their blessed month. This small gesture can make a significant impact. 2. Practice respectfulness. There's no need to apologize for eating or drinking in their presence, as those fasting anticipate your usual routines. 3. Avoid assumptions. Not every Muslim fasts during Ramadan due to health issues or specific religious exemptions. Rather than inquiring why someone isn't fasting, offer your support. 4. Propose flexible working schedules and breaks. Since energy levels might vary, accommodating adjustments in work hours or break times can be greatly appreciated. 5. Foster awareness and education among your team about the importance of Ramadan. This effort aids in building an inclusive and respectful workplace culture. 6. Facilitate time off post-Ramadan for the celebration of ‘Eid’. 7. Ask your Muslim colleagues if you're curious about Ramadan and its practices. And if you're wondering, “Not even water?” the answer is, indeed, not even water. 🙂 I wish you and your loved ones a joyous, healthy, and prosperous Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem! This nice photo is from our house decorations.

As billions of Muslims globally will embark on the sacred month of Ramadan soon, I wanted to share 10 friendly reminders to both myself and you, especially in the professional environment: 1) Try to be considerate towards colleagues who are fasting by avoiding early morning or late afternoon meetings. An email or call could be a more thoughtful approach. 2) If possible, offer flexible working hours to support altered prayer and meal times, and encourage taking breaks even if they're not for lunch. 3) When greeting Muslim colleagues, a verbal greeting is always safe and respectful, especially as physical contact with the opposite gender may not be customary. 4) A simple 'Ramadan Kareem' or 'Ramadan Mubarak' can go a long way in making someone feel acknowledged. And if you're thinking of a small gift, dates are a thoughtful choice for breaking the fast. 5) For any outdoor field missions, try to minimize the time in the sun to avoid additional fatigue for those fasting. 6) Interested in showing solidarity? Consider fasting for a day or join a colleague for Iftar, the meal to break the fast, to experience this important aspect of Ramadan. 7) Curiosity about Ramadan and fasting is welcome; engaging in open conversations can enrich workplace diversity and inclusion. Beyond the office: 8) Encouraging or respecting someone's commitment to prayer, fasting, or charitable acts during this time can be a meaningful gesture of support. 9) Use this time to uplift others, possibly even with a quiet prayer for their well-being. 10) Remember, Ramadan is more than abstaining from food; it's a period of self-improvement, growth, and emerging as a better version of oneself. Let's embrace this month with understanding, respect, and support for our Muslim colleagues and friends. Happy Ramadan to those observing! 🌙✨ #Ramadan #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkplaceCulture #share Note: This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024 and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, and while these are the calculated expected dates of Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon sightings or lack thereof.

At the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, I extend heartfelt wishes of love, peace, and blessings to everyone ❤️ In response to questions from some friends, I wanted to provide a concise summary for non-Muslim colleagues and managers to understand the significance of Ramadan and ways to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion for colleagues observing the holy month. 1. The holy month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marks the revelation of the Quran, and is a cornerstone of Muslim life. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, not optional or a nice to have - with few exceptions( sickness, long travel , women during their cycles or recovering from delivery ). 2. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn till sunset (12-14 hours on average and can be longer in summer ), refraining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs. Fasting is not only an exercise in self-discipline but also a means of cultivating empathy for the less fortunate and deepening spiritual connection. It teaches self-control over desires and encourages reflection on one's relationship with God and others. Key practices during Ramadan include fasting, increased prayers (mainly at night), Quranic recitation, charity, self-improvement, and community fellowship. ➡️ How can you support during Ramadan: For companies operating in countries observing Ramadan, adjustments to the working schedule, such as reducing hours ( usually 6 hours), and recognizing Eid-Al Fitr as a public holiday are common practices. However, for countries not observing Ramadan, here are a few tips to colleagues and managers of others: 1. Offer flexible meeting times to accommodate prayer and fasting schedules (e.g., Fasting in winter or early spring months can end at 5:30 PM ), so please be mindful of their need to leave on time. 2. Acknowledge potential energy fluctuations and optimize meeting efficiency (the shorter and more efficient, the better). 3. Be mindful of fasting colleagues when it comes to eating/drinking in a face-to-face meeting. 4. Encourage the team to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with family by providing 1-2 days off by the end of Ramadan. 5. A dinner outing to break fast together on Iftar would be greatly appreciated during a team building or business event. Wish we all embrace Ramadan as a time of unity and support. #Ramadan #Support #Inclusion

As we welcome the holy month of Ramadan today, it is a time of spiritual growth, self-discipline, and renewed devotion, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding. During this month, our energy levels vary throughout the day due to the fact that we abstain from eating/ drinking from sunrise to sunset, ( includes lack of caffeine for a coffee addict like myself ) so as the day goes by, our energy levels start to go down. Therefore, sharing some tips that might come in handy to ensure more welcoming workplace for those of your teams who are observing the holy month of Ramadan: 💡 Accommodations: consider accommodating flexible hours, offering prayer spaces, and being mindful of scheduling important meetings during fasting times. 💡 Inclusivity: Ramadan is a festive time for Muslims, so consider inclusive workplace practices and traditions that acknowledge and celebrate the month. 💡 Workload: it's important to consider the mental and physical strain of fasting when delegating tasks. Lastly, it's essential to remember and offer our support and solidarity to those observing this sacred time in war-torn regions. For many individuals and families in conflict zones, Ramadan brings a unique set of challenges, as they strive to uphold their spiritual practices amidst adversity. In these areas, the simple act of observing Ramadan can be a testament to the resilience and unwavering faith of the people. The call to prayer echoes amidst the backdrop of war, and families come together to break their fast, finding solace and strength in their shared traditions and beliefs. May this month bring comfort, hope, and peace to all those enduring hardships, and may the spirit of Ramadan inspire compassion and empathy in all of us. Ramadan Mubarak to all, and may the light of this sacred time shine upon those in need. 🙏🏽 ☪ #diversityequityinclusion #muslimcommunity #inclusiveworkplace #ceasefireingazanow #stopthegenocide

𝗔 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, 😍 we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion. It's a month filled with blessings, forgiveness, and compassion. we honor the values of unity and inclusivity that Ramadan represents. As we come together to observe this sacred time, 🕝 let us remember the importance of empathy, kindness, and generosity towards others. May this Ramadan bring you and your family peace, happiness, and prosperity. 🌙 Let us embrace the spirit of giving and sharing, reaching out to those in need and fostering stronger bonds within our communities. 𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙟𝙤𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. 📕 #Ramadan #Blessings #Unity #Inclusivity #Community #LinkedInMarketing #socialadvertising #socialadvertising #socailmedia #marketingagency

𝗔 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, 😍 we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion. It's a month filled with blessings, forgiveness, and compassion. we honor the values of unity and inclusivity that Ramadan represents. As we come together to observe this sacred time, 🕝 let us remember the importance of empathy, kindness, and generosity towards others. May this Ramadan bring you and your family peace, happiness, and prosperity. 🌙 Let us embrace the spirit of giving and sharing, reaching out to those in need and fostering stronger bonds within our communities. 𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙟𝙤𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. 📕 #Ramadan #Blessings #Unity #Inclusivity #Community #LinkedInMarketing #socialadvertising #socialadvertising #socailmedia #marketingagency

The month of Ramadan is a few days away. I am very excited about it. It always comes at the right time. I wanted to make this post to highlight the significance of this holy month, help educate others who are not informed about this topic, and spread awareness. ⭐️ What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (hijri) calendar and is one of the holiest periods for Muslims. Ramadan lasts an entire month, approximately 29 or 30 days (depending on the moon’s sighting). Muslims refrain from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. ⭐️ Why is Ramadan important? Ramadan is a very significant and virtuous month for Muslims around the world. It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Furthermore, fasting is a fundamental aspect of our religion, as it is one of the pillars of Islam. For many Muslims, it is a period when they make the most of prayer and worship, as it holds endless blessings and rewards for performing good deeds. It is like recharging our spirituality and soul. Throughout the month, we have the chance to build good habits and erase bad ones, strengthen our patience, reflect on our actions, give charity, and practice gratitude. ⭐️ What to consider as an employer or colleague: Whatever profession you are in, it is important to embrace diversity and inclusion. Therefore, you should do your own research on this holy month and speak to your Muslim employees. It is essential to try and accommodate and support them to the best of your ability, whether this is by having a prayer space, scheduling meetings slightly later during the day, or giving them the chance to perform worship or rest during their breaks. These simple adjustments go a long way and speak volumes about the type of place you work in. By helping your Muslim colleagues throughout this month, you will be a source of encouragement and see them really appreciate your help, which can even boost their productivity. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments 💬 #ramadan #diversityandinclusion #career #law

Ramadan kareem! It has been a week since the holy month of Ramadan started. Are you unsure what this entails, or the impact on your colleagues? Please see a repost of our post last year for some guidance: In this holy month of Ramadan, it's important for employers and colleagues to be mindful and supportive of those who are participating in this holy month. For Muslim employees, the challenges of balancing their work and religious obligations can be significant, especially during the long days of fasting.   If you work in a corporate (legal) environment, here are some tips and tricks for supporting your colleagues during Ramadan:   1.     Be aware of the schedule: Ramadan involves a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset. This means that colleagues who are fasting may have different working hours or schedules during this period. Be sure to check in with them to understand their schedule and how you can best support them during this time.   2.     Be respectful of dietary restrictions: During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during the daylight hours. This means that colleagues who are fasting may have dietary restrictions that need to be respected. If you're planning a team lunch or event during Ramadan, make sure to provide options that are suitable for those who are fasting.   3.     Be mindful of micro-aggressions: While most people have good intentions, it's important to be aware of micro-aggressions that can be hurtful to colleagues who are fasting. For example, comments like "that can't be healthy for you" or "I would never be able to fast" can be insensitive and diminish the significance of this religious practice.   4.     Show empathy and respect: Ramadan is an important time for Muslims, and it's important to show empathy and respect for their religious beliefs and practices. Avoid scheduling important meetings during prayer times, and be mindful of any accommodations that colleagues who are fasting may need. It's also worth noting that while some may experience fatigue or difficulty concentrating during the fast, others may actually feel more focused and productive during this time.   By being mindful and supportive of your colleagues during Ramadan, you can help create an inclusive and respectful workplace for everyone. Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan!   #DEI #Ramadan #inclusion #lequal #Islam #Muslim

The holy month of Ramadan has arrived and I wanted to share these key points: 1. Ramadan happens once a year and lasts around 30 days. 2. We follow the lunar calendar which is why it starts earlier each year (shifts by around 11 days). 3. It's a month for spiritual discipline and it helps us feel grateful for what we have. 4. We fast from Fajar (which is the first prayer in the morning) to sunset and yes: "not even water" (around 16 hours of fasting this year in the UK). 5. It's not just about abstaining from food/drink but also about charity and practicing patience and kindness. 6. It means a lot to us when you wish us a "Happy Ramadan". 7. We don't mind being around people eating/drinking so don't feel the need to apologise. 8. Our sleeping hours/caffeine intake changes so we might seem tired. We don't expect to get special treatment while fasting but it would be kinder to check our preference for meeting hours. 9. Ramadan was tough during lockdown, it did feel lonely and isolating as we weren’t able to see family/friends and the days felt longer. Do check on your Muslim friends/colleagues during this month. 10. No question is a bad question, we love talking about Ramadan and are happy to answer any questions people have 🌙Ramadan Mubarak to all my connections!🌙 #Ramadan2024 #monthofblessings