So this feels like a hugely ignorant question, but I have no one to ask IRL. My daughter's nanny is Muslim and with Ramadan approaching, I was hoping someone could tell me the appropriate way for a non-Muslim to acknowledge it, if at all? Like does one say "happy Ramadan" in the way that we say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas? Is a gift appropriate? She's such a rockstar that I want to make sure I do the right thing! Any guidance would be much appreciated.....
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I used to work with a few folks that observed Ramadan. It was tough because they would fast and any time there was an office lunch or birthday celebration they couldn't partake.
However, once Ramadan had passed (Eid al-Fitr), they brought a HUGE spread of homemade treats for everyone. Maybe save something for July 18th? -
I just texted my dad, he observes/fasts for Ramadan. I'll let you know what he says! I don't think gifts are necessary, though. If you see her while she's fasting I'm sure she'll just appreciate her fast/prayers being acknowledged.
Update: he said something along the lines of "may your fast be accepted".
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I'm not Muslim, but I do know there is a holiday called Eid that marks the end of Ramadan. I believe giving small gifts is common and sweet foods are featured prominently, so maybe a gift of her favorite candy would be nice? I don't think you would say happy Ramadan but you would say happy Eid when the time comes. I'm no expert, though, and I think traditions can vary by culture/family. Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in.
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I had a couple friends who observed Ramadan when I was in high school, and they would always say the fasting was so tough. So one thing I'd definitely do would be to not eat anything in front of her, because that would make me so hungry if I was fasting! Not that you'd necessarily have an occasion to eat when she's in the room anyway, but just something to keep in mind
I actually just found this article online and it looks very helpful. FWIW, I don't think your question is ignorant at all, I think it's lovely that you're thinking of her wanting to learn more! http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2012/07/18/ramadan-etiquette-guide-how-to-be-a-non-muslim-during-the-holy-month/12018
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@Madison43: I'm not an expert, but I dated a muslim for many, many years. First, muslims are like any other religion--some are more observant than others. So she may or may not be fasting (my ex rarely did...never the whole month the entire 6 years we dated).
When a muslim IS fasting, they aren't supposed to drink anything OR eat anything while the sun is up, so they typically get up before sunrise to drink and eat a big meal, and then have another big meal after sundown. If your nanny is at your house before/after sunrise, make sure they have time to eat because they are typically starving by that point.
And finally, yes you can give a small gift or just say Happy Eid on the July 17th. The phrase is Eid Mubarack, but you can just say "happy Eid!".
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Thanks everyone! She does fast - we actually had a conversation recently about how brutal it will be to not drink any water in the summer chasing after a toddler, particularly because sundown is so late during June/July. I know she has a large celebration with her family planned for the end, so maybe a gift basket with her favorite snacks when it's over is the best way to go!
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6 comments