Brampton, a city that is home to approximately 791,000 residents, now Canada’s fastest growing City, and boasts an incredibly diverse population. Among this vibrant community, Brampton’s workforce is one of the most diverse in Canada, with 250 cultures and 171 languages represented. About 10.1% of the City’s population, or approximately 80,000 individuals, identify as Muslim (pronounced Muss-lim), many of whom contribute to Brampton’s business community through various sectors, including transportation, manufacturing, finance, and administration.
March marks the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadaan (pronounced Raw-ma-daawn). For context, Ramadaan is the 9th month of the Islaamic (pronounced Iss-laa-mik) lunar calendar, during which over 2 billion Muslims worldwide spend 30 days abstaining from food, drink, and conjugal relations from dawn until sunset. This year, Ramadaan is expected to begin on the evening of either February 28 or March 1, 2025, and will culminate on the evening of March 30, 2025. It is generally understood by many that Ramadaan is just about physical abstinence. On the contrary, it is a time for spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and empathy. Alongside the five obligatory daily prayers, Muslims engage in additional nightly prayers, focus on charity, and consciously work to build greater self-control, kindness, and compassion towards others, especially those who are less fortunate.
In today’s global landscape, I believe that it is essential to consider how we perceive the Muslim community. Sadly, in many parts of the world, Muslims continue to face stereotypes, misconceptions, and prejudice. Often, these very Muslims immigrate to Canada and those negative experiences are carried and brought with them. I do believe that the observance of Ramadaan is an opportunity not only for Muslims to reconnect with their faith, but also for the broader community to gain a deeper understanding of the Muslim faith-based practices and values. It’s crucial that businesses and individuals look beyond the headlines and media portrayals, and instead, take active steps to engage with and support their Muslim colleagues, thereby promoting inclusivity and positive awareness.
So, how can businesses best support their Muslim employees, particularly during Ramadaan? Here are a few strategies:
Accommodating the Fast:
If your business operates on multiple shifts throughout the day, it might be a thoughtful gesture for business owners to consider the timing of the iftaar (pronounced if-taaw-r), which is the meal to break the fast at sunset. Perhaps providing designated break times and a quiet space to break the fast, and to perform the sunset prayer would go a long way in supporting Muslim employees during this time. Taking it a step further, consider offering something as simple as dates and water for iftaar. This thoughtful gesture can build goodwill and reinforce the bond between employers and employees.
Advancing Awareness through Education and Understanding:
My Grandmother always says that education is better than silver and gold, and if I’m being honest, wealth can be taken away, but knowledge can’t be so easily dispensed of! I do believe that there is stigma, bias and misappropriation of information when it comes to the Muslim community. It’s important for employers to learn about the significance of Ramadaan and try to understand the unique circumstances and needs of their Muslim employees during this month. Building programming that will educate the workplace not only about Ramadaan but use it also as an opportunity to cultivate and curate accurate information about Muslims and their faith can help to foster an environment of respect and inclusivity, not only during Ramadaan but throughout the year. Encouraging open dialogue with Muslim employees helps to combat stereotypes and cultivates an atmosphere of mutual understanding.
Let’s Organize a Community Event:
For Muslim-owned businesses, organizing community events, such as iftaar gatherings, can be a magnificent opportunity to engage with the broader community. These events not only allow people to come together in the spirit of sharing and understanding but also serve as a program to educate others about the true essence of Ramadaan and Islaam (pronounced Iss-laam). By opening the doors to the community, businesses can play a vital role in dismantling misconceptions and creating a more informed, inclusive environment. The Board of Trade can partner with businesses to make an event like this happen!
I want to reaffirm that the Brampton Board of Trade is committed to celebrating the diversity that makes our city unique. By encouraging businesses to become more aware of Ramadaan and how they can support the Muslim community during this time, we all contribute to amplifying diversity, inclusion, and equity. In a time when global perceptions of Muslims can often be shaped by misunderstandings, it is crucial that we take active steps to create positive awareness. Supporting Muslim employees and fostering an inclusive workplace culture can help challenge stereotypes, promote respect, and contribute to a more harmonious society.
The Brampton Board of Trade extends its warmest Ramadaan Mubaarak and wishes all the Muslim businesses and employees in Brampton, across Ontario, throughout Canada, and around the world a blessed month ahead.
