Eid is one of the most significant celebrations for Muslims worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) or the conclusion of Hajj (Eid al-Adha). For Muslim employees, it is a time of joy, prayer, and togetherness with family and the wider community. However, balancing workplace commitments during Eid can sometimes be challenging.
Organisations that prioritise FREDIE – Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement – should take steps to understand and accommodate their Muslim staff during this important occasion.
1. Eid is as important to Muslims as Christmas to Christians
Employers should take the time to understand the cultural and religious significance of Eid for their Muslim employees. It is not just a holiday but a deeply spiritual and family-focused celebration. Recognising Eid as a key religious observance can help employees feel acknowledged and valued.
2. Flexibility
Many Muslim employees will request time off to celebrate Eid with their families. Employers can support them by offering flexible leave policies, allowing them to take a day off without penalty. Some organisations even include Eid in their list of recognised holidays or enable employees to swap public holidays for religious observances.
3. What actually happens on Eid
Eid typically begins with a special morning prayer at the mosque, followed by gatherings with family and friends. Then, it’s back home to exchange hugs and best wishes with loved ones. The phone starts ringing, and the Eid Mubarak! messages pour in.
Phone calls follow, often starting with “As-salamu alaykum” (“May peace be upon you”), and are quickly followed by “Eid Mubarak!” (“Congratulations, it’s Eid!”).
Meanwhile, the kitchen is a hive of activity, with mums, grandmothers, and aunties cooking up a feast, often enlisting the men to help with heavier lifting and errands. The younger children, impatiently waiting for food, repeatedly ask, “When will it be ready?”
Later in the day, families gather at the parents’ home (HQ) or at a sibling’s house. Children are particularly excited because they receive Eidi—money gifted by relatives. For parents, however, this means handing out money to younger family members, but somehow, it all balances out in the end—until the next Eid!
It’s a day filled with feasting, playing, praying, and overindulging, as well as an opportunity for children to spend time with their uncles, aunties, grandparents, cousins, and friends. The five daily prayers remain a central part of the day. Ideally, the celebrations avoid family disagreements, and people manage to sit through dad and uncle stories without getting too bored!
By the evening, families return home, reflect on the day’s events, critique the food, and hopefully end the day feeling happy and content.
3. What actually happens on Eid
Eid typically begins with a special morning prayer at the mosque, followed by communal gatherings. Then back home to hug it out with the family and offer best wishes to the residents of your house-hold. Then onto your mobile to answer the flurry of messages that have been sent to you.
The phone calls start and its Eid Mubarak (congratulations its EID) invariably that is the second greeting after having said Asalama a Laikum (may peace be upon) you at the outset of the call.
Meanwhile the kitchens are a hive of activity with Mums, Nans and Aunties enlisting the men to do the more heavier fetching and carrying. Everyone working like worker bees and invariably telling the kids to stop saying “When is the food ready?”
Later on the families get together at the Parents house (HQ) or one of the siblings.
The kids are excited because they get cash from their relatives. This is known as ‘Edhee’. The parents not so much because they have to give cash to their younger relations. Somehow it all works itself put until the next Eid.
It’s certainly a day for feasting , playing, praying and over-eating for many and a chance for the kids to see their Uncles, Aunties, Grandparents, cousins and friends.
The day will punctuated by the reading of the daily obligatory 5 prayers. Hopefully having avoided any family arguments and not having being too bored by Dad and Uncle stories People then go to their own houses and critique the food and the day – hopefully happy and well.
4. Small yet meaningful steps to a more inclusive workplace
Workplaces can take small but meaningful actions to recognise Eid. Simple gestures such as sending company-wide Eid greetings, sharing an email or social media post about the occasion, or even organising a small celebration with traditional treats can make a significant difference. These efforts not only acknowledge the importance of the holiday but also contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming workplace culture.
5. Ramadan – fasting and sleep deprivation
In the weeks leading up to Eid, many Muslim employees observe Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Employers can show consideration by being mindful of scheduling meetings during fasting hours and offering adjusted break times where possible.
Additionally, understanding the dietary preferences of Muslim employees—such as the avoidance of alcohol or non-halal food—can ensure they feel respected and included in workplace events.
Many Muslim employees say that the hardest part of fasting is not the hunger or thirst, but waking up in the middle of the night to prepare food, eat before dawn, pray, and then try to go back to sleep—only to wake up 2-3 hours later to get ready for work.
Although challenging, many adapt quickly and even thrive on the hardship. The daily fast-breaking meal (iftar) is not just about eating but about seeking forgiveness, spiritual growth, and a sense of unity with the wider Muslim community. Ramadan also fosters empathy, giving a small insight into the struggles of those who experience hunger daily.
Self-sacrifice, a sense of community, and the act of doing something good bring immense personal satisfaction
6. Have a chat
Encouraging open discussions about religious observances helps create a more inclusive work environment. Managers can check in with Muslim employees to see how they can best be supported during Eid—whether that means adjusting workloads, scheduling meetings considerately, or simply acknowledging the celebration.
7. Remote or Hybrid Work Options
For businesses that can accommodate remote or hybrid working, offering flexibility during Eid is a great way to support employees. This enables Muslim staff to spend time with family and participate in community activities without the stress of commuting or managing rigid work schedules.
Conclusion
A truly FREDIE-inclusive workplace respects and acknowledges the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of its employees. By understanding the significance of Eid and making small yet impactful accommodations, companies can foster a more engaged, satisfied, and loyal workforce.
Recognising and supporting Muslim employees during Eid is not just about compliance—it’s about creating a culture of respect and belonging, where everyone feels valued.
By taking these steps, workplaces can celebrate diversity in action and strengthen the bond between employees and employers.
Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating!
