Operation Black Vote (OBV) is proud to champion and celebrate the commencement of Ramadan alongside all our partners, colleagues, and the wider community. As an organisation deeply committed to equality, inclusion, and racial justice, we recognise the significance of this sacred month and the profound spiritual and communal values it upholds.
Ramadan marks the period during which essential parts of the Holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him). It is a time of deep faith, self-reflection, and renewal for Muslims worldwide. The fast from dawn to dusk is not only an expression of devotion but also a demonstration of gratitude, discipline, and heightened social consciousness. Through prayer, study, and acts of generosity, Ramadan embodies principles that resonate with the values of fairness, solidarity, and collective well-being.
At OBV, we firmly believe that fostering a society that truly respects and celebrates all faiths is a cornerstone of an inclusive democracy. In these challenging times—marked by division, rising intolerance, and global uncertainty—embracing and honouring the diverse traditions within our communities strengthens the social fabric that holds us together. Religious and cultural inclusion is fundamental to the fight for racial equity, as it ensures that all individuals are recognised, respected, and supported in their contributions to society.
As we celebrate Ramadan, we encourage individuals, workplaces, and institutions to actively support Muslim colleagues, friends, and neighbours in their observance. This can be done by:
- Providing resources and spaces for quiet reflection and prayer.
- Adapting work and meeting schedules to accommodate fasting energy levels, particularly as the day progresses.
- Encouraging understanding and consideration in social settings.
- Avoiding assumptions about who may or may not be fasting and respecting individual choices.
Now, more than ever, solidarity matters. By acknowledging the significance of Ramadan and making space for religious and cultural traditions, we take another step toward a society that truly values and upholds the principles of equity, respect, and justice for all. We invite everyone to take this opportunity to reflect, learn, and contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive and equitable world.
You can find additional information here:
https://apprenticeships.blog.gov.uk/2023/03/29/how-to-support-others-during-ramadan/ and here: https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/blog/supporting-muslims-at-work-during-ramadan/
Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim friends and colleagues around the world. May this sacred month bring you peace and fulfilment.