Leadership Message: Ways to show support during Ramadan

Dear Colleagues,

The evening of Feb. 28 marks the beginning of the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan. For Muslims, it is an opportunity to renew our connection with God by focusing on worship, generosity, and remembrance of the mercy of our Creator.

Ramadan is a month of daily fasting from food and water from dawn until sunset. It is also an exercise in resilience, self-control, and, above all, gratitude—not only for the sustenance with which we break our daily fast but also for the guidance from God through the revelation of the Quran.

Muslims fast and break their fast with the full understanding that there are many people in this world at this moment who do not yet have relief from their thirst, hunger, pain and suffering. We pray for our fellow human beings, for their relief, and that we may be the vessels through which that relief is delivered.

During this time (Feb. 28 through March 29), the Muslim Faculty and Staff Association Employee Resource Group invites you to be supportive and consider those in our community who are observing this month of fasting.

There are many ways you can show your support, including but not limited to:

• Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time.
• Remember that fasting students and employees celebrating Ramadan will likely have less stamina.
• When possible, consider scheduling events after sunset, instead of lunch hour.

For more information about Ramadan and how you can participate or offer support during the month, please visit the following websites:

• Why Muslims Fast
• Ramadan: A Guide for UC Davis Medical Center Faculty, Residents, and Students
• Accommodations for faith-based and cultural observances

Thank you, and peace to all,

Muslim Faculty and Staff Association Health Sciences Campus (MFSA Health) Executive Board

Hiba Hamdan– Interim Chair
Joseph Avery– Interim Vice Chair
Hira Abidi, Interim Programs Officer
Cody Potter – Interim Secretary
Andrew Li – Ex Officio

Learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups. These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate, or be educated in the many cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.