Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending upon the sighting of the moon. Throughout this sacred month, Muslims worldwide observe a fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining entirely from food and drink while carrying on with their day-to-day responsibilities, for example, work and childcare.
RCSLT has worked with our Muslim members to produce a guide for speech and language therapists (SLTs), SLT assistants and students which provides an overview of fasting in Ramadan and includes informations on how they may support their patients and families during this month. It also includes tips for universities, employers, and colleagues to help them support Muslim student SLTs and colleagues.
Read an SLTs guide to navigating Ramadan
While the guide cannot fully cover every aspect of Ramadan, we have endeavoured to emphasise the fundamental elements of Ramadan while recognising the significance of individual differences and practices. Cultivating cultural curiosity is a lifelong journey, and engaging in conversations with families, colleagues and conducting personal research will enhance our understanding of Ramadan and other religious/cultural practices important to our colleagues and patients.
