In the video above, Rida (ridamedia) on tiktok talks about her day in the life of a corporate worker during this blessed month.
Observing Ramadan while balancing work or school can be challenging, especially when accommodations aren’t automatically provided. Whether it’s adjusting work hours, requesting prayer breaks, or getting exemptions from physically demanding activities, advocating for religious accommodations is essential.
Many workplaces and schools are open to making adjustments but may not be aware of the needs of Muslim employees and students. By approaching the conversation with clarity, confidence, and a solutions-oriented mindset, you can help foster an inclusive environment that respects your faith.
1. Understand Your Rights
Before making a request, familiarize yourself with workplace or school policies regarding religious accommodations. In many countries, laws protect religious freedoms in educational and professional settings, such as:
- United States – Title VII of the Civil Rights Act requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for religious practices unless it causes undue hardship.
- United Kingdom – The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination based on religion or belief.
- Canada – The Canadian Human Rights Act protects individuals from religious discrimination.
- Australia – The Fair Work Act includes religious protections in the workplace.
Knowing your rights ensures you make informed requests with legal backing.
2. Key Accommodations You Can Request (Examples from Rida Media)
In the viral TikTok video, Rida Media highlights crucial accommodations that workplaces and schools should implement to support Muslim employees and students during Ramadan. These include:
- Flexible Work/School Hours – Requesting an earlier or later shift to better align with fasting and prayer times.
- Prayer Breaks & Spaces – A designated quiet room for prayers at work or school can make it easier to observe daily Salah.
- Avoiding Lunchtime Meetings & Events – Asking workplaces or schools to be mindful of scheduling events involving food during fasting hours.
- Fasting-Friendly Workloads – Reducing physically demanding tasks during fasting hours to maintain productivity without exhaustion.
- Exam & Assignment Adjustments – In schools, asking for alternative testing times if an exam falls during Iftar or Suhoor hours.
These are reasonable accommodations that can be achieved with open communication.
3. How to Request Accommodations Professionally & Respectfully
When making your request, maintain a respectful and professional tone. You might say:
- For work:
“I’d like to discuss a small adjustment to my schedule for Ramadan. I was hoping to start my shift earlier so I can leave a bit before Iftar. I can ensure all my responsibilities are met during my work hours.” - For school:
“Since I’ll be fasting during Ramadan, I was wondering if I could have an alternative to physical education on fasting days. I’d be happy to complete an assignment instead.”
Providing context about the importance of Ramadan can help supervisors or teachers better understand your request.
4. Address Potential Concerns & Offer Compromises
Not all requests may be granted immediately. If your employer or school raises concerns, be prepared to discuss alternatives:
- If adjusting work hours isn’t feasible, suggest remote work or shifting break times instead.
- If skipping a school activity isn’t allowed, request an alternative assignment rather than full exemption.
- If prayer breaks are an issue, propose shorter, structured breaks that don’t interfere with responsibilities.
Flexibility goes both ways—be open to negotiations while ensuring your religious needs are met.
5. Seek Support from HR, DEI Teams, or Advocacy Groups
If your initial request is denied or met with resistance, don’t be discouraged. Many organizations have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) teams or human resources (HR) departments that can help facilitate accommodations.
For students, school administrators, Muslim student associations (MSAs), or interfaith groups can offer support in advocating for fair treatment.
If discrimination persists, consider seeking guidance from legal aid organizations or Islamic advocacy groups such as:
- CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) – USA
- Islamic Human Rights Commission – UK
- National Council of Canadian Muslims – Canada
6. Build Awareness & Encourage Inclusive Policies
Advocating for yourself can also help create lasting change for others. If you work or study in an environment that isn’t familiar with Ramadan, take the opportunity to educate others:
- Offer to give a short presentation about Ramadan in a staff meeting or class.
- Suggest adding religious accommodations to workplace/school policies to support future Muslim employees and students.
- Encourage leaders to incorporate Ramadan into diversity and inclusion efforts, such as hosting an informational session or acknowledging it in company/school-wide communications.
By advocating for accommodations today, you’re helping create a more inclusive space for future generations.
Final Thoughts
Advocating for religious accommodations isn’t just about personal needs—it’s about ensuring workplaces and schools recognize and respect diverse faiths. By approaching the conversation with confidence, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit, you can help foster an environment where practicing your faith is not just tolerated, but fully supported.
Whether you’re requesting prayer breaks, flexible work hours, or exam adjustments, remember: you have the right to practice your faith, and advocating for yourself can inspire change for others.
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