Ramadan (also known as Hari Raya) is an excellent moment to encourage inclusivity through virtual team-building events.
Virtual events form an excellent part of a diversity and inclusion program, or simply to learn more about your Muslim colleagues.
Before we get into team activities, let’s learn about Ramadan’s global culture and tradition!
Table of Contents
The Holy Month of Fasting
Ramadan is a time of reflection, community prayer in the mosque, and Quran reading. The Muslims believe that God forgives those who celebrate the holy month with fasting, prayer, and sincere intention for their previous transgressions.
It begins and finishes with the crescent moon’s arrival. Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year than the Gregorian calendar year, allowing it to fall in every season across a 33-year cycle.
In 2022, Ramadan will last from Saturday, April 2nd through Sunday, May 1st.
Dates are subject to change based on the crescent moon’s appearance and may vary by country.
Ramadan/ Hari Raya Puasa Traditions Around the World
Singapore: A public holiday to celebrate Hari Raya marks the end of the month of fasting. Working adults give green envelopes of money to children and to the elderly.
Malaysia: A huge national celebration with many families creating beautiful decorations and reconnecting with loved ones.
Indonesia: Drumming and singing wake everyone in preparation for Suhur.
Egypt: Children are presented with fanus (decorative lanterns) for evening outings with family and friends
Iraq: During celebrations, the Mheibes game is played. Two teams compete to guess who is hiding a ring from the other.
Saudi Arabia: On the 15th night of Ramadan, Gargee’an is observed. Children dress up in traditional attire, go door to door singing songs, and exchange sweets with their neighbors.
Bangladesh, Pakistan, India: Celebrate Chaand Raat. On the final night of Ramadan, friends, family, and neighbors assemble in open locations to observe the new moon.
Ramadan Virtual Event Ideas
Ramadan Shopping Trip in the Grand Bazaars of Istanbul
In preparation for the Eid al-Fitr celebration at the end of Ramadan, we invite you to join our local guide on a special shopping trip to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest markets.
What you will discover:
- The history of Ramadan and how Muslims observe it
- How to connect effectively with coworkers during Ramadan
- Istanbul’s history and culture
Experience the best parts:
- Learn about Ramadan’s traditions and history, as well as the exciting Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
- Take a scavenger hunt across the Grand Bazaar, the world’s first retail mall, in search of the things on our guide’s Ramadan shopping list.
- Explore the more than 4,000 stores and immerse yourself in the silk road and Ottoman Empire’s history.
Our guide is working together with a non-profit in Istanbul focusing on reducing Islamaphobia and showcasing the positive impact of Islam.
This virtual Ramadan event will be conducted live via Zoom just for your team.
Ramadan Food & Culture Festival in Istanbul, Turkey
Each morning during Ramadan, Istanbul rises to the sound of drums, which are often joined by the sound of canons in some parts of the city. As the Iftar (fast-breaking meal) approaches, there is a beautiful sense of calm and excitement in the air in Istanbul, whether it be at home, at work, or in the city squares.
Learn about the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr traditions in Istanbul, Turkey with your team. As you observe the Ramadan feasts, savor the amazing flavors of Turkish street food and feel a sense of community.
What you will discover:
- The history of Ramadan and how Muslims observe it
- How to connect effectively with coworkers during Ramadan
- Istanbul’s history and culture
Experience the best parts:
- Take in the tremendous range of flavors, colors, and textures found in Turkish street cuisine.
- Dive beneath the tents to see the Ramadan feasts and feel a sense of community.
- Learn about Ramadan’s traditions and culture from passionate and friendly locals.
This virtual Ramadan event will be conducted live via Zoom just for your team.
Bonus: Get a free Ramadan customized virtual background 👇
Go Live into the streets of Tehran, Iran
For your Ramadan virtual event, why not explore the magical city of Tehran?
Your professional guide on the ground will share stories of life in Tehran through the eyes of women. From education to female rights, to Iranian culture, this experience will immerse your team in a foreign culture.
Do you want to make it extra special? To share some laughs and fun, add a lighthearted trivia game after your tour!
This virtual Ramadan event will be conducted live via Zoom just for your team.
30 Days of Grateful Heart
Ramadan, the holy month, is a time of reflection for Muslims worldwide. It’s a wonderful time to express gratitude while staying grounded through fasting. One simple way to infuse this positive energy into your team activity is to create a gratitude challenge: 30 Days of Grateful Heart.
Gratitude is defined as being thankful for something that has happened or has not happened; for something or someone that exists; for experiencing thanks.
When we practice gratitude on a regular basis, it makes us happier and healthier, as well as improving our sleep and relationships. It is a remarkably simple exercise that, when followed consistently, produces profoundly transforming benefits.
Cultivating a daily habit of looking for things to be grateful for establishes new neuropathways in the brain that become stronger— the more we practice being grateful, or for that matter, anything we focus on. It’s similar to physical training for the brain—a phenomenon referred to as Neuroplasticity.
Raise the value of each day in Ramadan by including a small act of gratitude. Check out this template of 30 Days of Grateful Heart. Contemplate on each question every day and answer it on personal notes or share it on slack channel #30daysofgratefulheart!
Virtual Iftar
You’ll hear a lot about “Iftar” throughout the month of Ramadan. But what is Iftar, exactly? Fasting is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, and Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. Suhur is the pre-dawn meal, whereas Iftar is the fast-breaking meal eaten after sunset.
Aside from fasting, another of Islam’s foundations is the five-times-daily ritual prayer. This is done all year, with one of the daily prayers taking place at sunset.
Fasters will frequently break their fast with dates or a small amount of food, recite the evening prayer, and then eat an entire Iftar feast. Because practicing Muslims adhere to a halal diet, the Iftar meal will never contain pork, alcohol, or other forbidden foods.
You can host the Virtual Iftars after the evening prayer. Pick a virtual platform (Zoom or Google meet, for example) and plan the menu. Make sure that the iftar meals that are delivered to your team’s doorstep is halal. Some light icebreakers and easy games are also perfect to keep the conversation flowing and make it fun.
Ramadan Fundraising Event
Ramadan is a time to reflect on your blessings while also giving to those who are less fortunate. That’s why it’s a great time to organize a fundraising campaign. First, set your fundraising objective.
You can make donating as easy as possible for your co-workers, friends, and family through GoFundMe. It’s important that you choose a compelling header image that highlights the cause and makes it clear who you’re fundraising for.
Explain why your chosen charity requires financial assistance and where any funds raised will be used. Tell an engaging story about how much good the charity does for society. People won’t know about your Ramadan fundraiser unless you tell them about it, so remember to share your GoFundMe page on your social media and encourage others to do the same.
Find your perfect team event 🎉
Every team is unique, we'd love to get to know yours to build a unique team bonding experience for them!
Virtual Eid al-Fitr Celebration
Eid al-Fitr (abbreviated “Eid”) marks the conclusion of Ramadan. It is often observed over many days and includes festivals with food and entertainment. The primary objective is to celebrate, therefore feel free to innovate and organize an Eid al-Fitr party for your remote team.
Next, check out our ideas of 20 Virtual Team Building Activities for 2022
FAQ About Ramadan
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and connecting with family and community for Muslims around the world. It’s celebrated in the 9th month of the Islamic calendar when it is believed the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
When is Ramadan?
The dates change annually as they’re determined by the sighting of a crescent moon.
Why book a virtual Ramadan event?
Creating understanding by celebrating cultural events throughout the year is the pillar of a diversity and inclusion program. It is important for teams to build empathy by understanding each other’s culture and heritage.
Virtual events are a great introduction as team members can join from home or the office.
How is Ramadan Observed?
- Pray, visit mosques, and read verses of the Quran
- Fasting daily from sunrise to sunset.
- Wake up early for Suhur to eat a power meal before the fasting begins.
- Celebrate Iftar, the breaking of the fast at sundown, by gathering with family, friends, and neighbors for a meal.
- Give money or food to those who are less fortunate.
How is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated?
When Ramadan ends, Eid al-Fitr begins. Eid al-Fitr or Eid for shorts is the celebration of the fast-breaking. After 30 days of fasting, Eid is a joyous time to do:
- Ramadan pray
- Eat special foods
- Buy gifts for families and friends
- Decorate homes
- Donate money & volunteer
How to Wish Your Coworkers a Happy Ramadan?
Ramadan Mubarak = Blessed Ramadan
Iftar Shahy = Have a good Iftar
Ramadan Kareem = Happy Ramadan!