Recognising Ramadan: Get involved

As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, from 10 March to 9 April Muslims worldwide will observe a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. At Carnival UK, our employee-led network REACH is taking the opportunity to recognise this and support colleagues who will be participating in the month’s activities, and invite everyone to get involved.

We caught up with Tanzin Choudhury from REACH to find out more:

“Hi everyone, my name is Tanzin. I’ve worked at CUK for just over 7 years and every year I observe the month of Ramadan with a month-long duration of fasting, one of the 5 Pillars of Islam.

Between the hours of sunrise and sunset, I will not eat or drink anything. That means no food, or drink, even water, during the hours of daylight, for approximately 30 days, from 10 March to 9 April. To be clear, that does mean that I do eat and drink when the sun has gone down, in the evening and early morning before the sun rises.

Why do I fast?
As a Muslim, I choose to fast during the month of Ramadan for two main reasons; one, it brings me closer to my faith during the holy month and keeps me humble. And two, the benefits of fasting are an absolute gamechanger! For me, it’s developed my discipline and focus, compassion for those less fortunate, improved my diet and built my patience and tolerance.

Here comes the science…
I’m not a medical professional, so please don’t quote me, but a quick Google search suggests that fasting has been known to improve biomarkers of disease, reduce stress and preserve learning and memory functioning. It can also help to:

• Boost cognitive performance
• Protect from obesity and chronic disease
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve overall fitness
• Support weight loss
• Decrease the risk of metabolic diseases

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Above all, the biggest positive for me is that I just feel great! I feel positive. I feel energised. I feel like I could be Superman… well, maybe not quite, but you know what I mean! Food and water taste better, flavours and textures are refreshed, and my palette feels rejuvenated.

Want to get involved? Come fast with me…
Every year, I get asked lots of questions about Ramadan and fasting, which is great and I’m happy to share. But this year, I would like to invite you to fast with me and experience it for yourself. Maybe do a day or two, or a week? Or if you’re up for the challenge, do the entire month? It’s up to you.

If you’re interested in participating, or have any questions, please join a drop-in session to find out more:

• Thursday 14 March 12:30 – 13:00 in in Reykjavik meeting room and via Teams here. 

As with any kind of challenge, it’s always that little bit easier when you do it together with other people – with friends, family, colleagues or even strangers. And with this, I think about our colleagues at sea, or anyone who might be alone and/or away from their families during an instance of hardship. Fasting together is a great demonstration of allyship, recognising and supporting each other during a time of adversity.

It’s important to know that fasting isn’t mandatory for everyone who is a Muslim. Those who fast should only do it if their health permits it. Anyone who’s vulnerable, such as children, the elderly, those who are pregnant, or whose medical condition doesn’t allow for it – are excused. And the same applies here. You should only fast if you are fit, healthy and able to do so. If you’re unsure if you should take part, please speak with your GP.”

More ways to get involved

If fasting isn’t for you, there are other ways you can get involved and show your support during Ramadan:

• Join our guest speaker event with the Hampshire Islamic Outreach Society and learn a little more about Ramadan
  Wednesday 13 March at 12:30 – 13:30, New York meeting room and via Teams. Add to your diary and ask your questions in advance here.
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• Share a good deed to WIN a goody bag!
  During the month of Ramadan, Muslims also increase their generosity and good deeds to support those less fortunate, and express higher levels of thanks and gratitude for the things they have been able to benefit from. With this in mind, we’d like you to get involved and tell us your good deed, act of kindness, or gratitude statement for the chance to win a Ramadan goody bag. The prize draw is open until 28 March – submit your entry here.
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• Give to charity
  Zakat or giving to charity is another of the 5 Pillars of Islam. With that in mind, why not make a donation to support our fantastic charity partners Teenage Cancer Trust and The Prince’s Trust?
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Our networks need you!

Ever thought about getting involved with our employee-led networks? We’re looking for volunteers who are passionate about championing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Carnival UK to join and lead our networks as part of their planning committees. Find out more here.

Prize draw is open to all Carnival UK employees and closes on 28 March 2024. Winners will be drawn at random and announced week commencing 1 April 2024.