Beyond No Food: A 2026 Guide to Ramadan at Work

Have you ever noticed a colleague with increased focus and a slightly more “zen” energy during a specific month? It’s likely Ramadan. In our high-speed 2026 world, where we are always “on,” Ramadan is a 30-day “spiritual bootcamp” of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

If you aren’t Muslim, you might have questions. Can I eat my sandwich near you? Do I say something? And seriously… not even water? Here is everything you need to know to be a top-tier colleague this season.

Lending a Hand (and Respecting the Space)

Understanding the basics is the first step, but empathy is the close second. If your coworker politely declines a mid-afternoon coffee or the “donut raid” in the breakroom, don’t take it personally. And yes, we still love donuts.. now it’s just complicated.

The Pro Move: You don’t have to hide in a closet to eat your lunch! Just maybe don’t describe the “succulent aroma of the curry” in vivid detail.

The Surprise: If you want truly to be a legend, save a treat for us! Tuck a small pastry aside so we can enjoy it as a dessert after sunset.

Speaking the Lingo: Ramadan Greetings

When you walk into a meeting and hear “Ramadan Mubarak!” don’t panic. It’s just a well-wish, like “Happy Holidays.”

But.. what does it mean?

Ramadan Mubarak: This translates to “Blessed Ramadan” and is a general way to wish someone well during the holy month.
Ramadan Kareem: Meaning “Generous Ramadan,” this greeting expresses hope that the person has a fruitful and rewarding Ramadan experience. Personally, this is my favourite.

Now, what about a response? A simple smile and a “Ramadan Mubarak” back is all you need!

If you’d like to go and sound like a total pro, you can say “JazakAllahu Khairan” (Jazak for short), which means “May Allah reward you.”

That’s something bound to light your Muslim colleagues eyes light up.

“Not Even Water?” (The Science of the Fast)

Yes, it’s true. From dawn until sunset: no food, no water, no IV drips, and definitely no double-shot espressos.

While we still work, socialize, and contribute 100% to our teams, the “caffeine withdrawal” is real. As a writer, I find that my brain, just like my body, shifts into a different gear during the fast. It’s actually during these quiet, hungry hours that I’ve done the most research for my upcoming historical novel set in Al-Andalus.

Why history? It is to showcase that the Ramadan practises have remained the same throught the times. In the courts of Medieval Al-Andalus, Ramadan was a time when the greatest philosophers and poets would gather after Iftar. That same spirit of community and intellectual renewal is what I’m capturing in my LGBT love story set during the final years of the Alhambra.

Feasting After Fasting: Iftar and Suhoor

The magic happens at sunset. Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast, traditionally starting with an odd number of dates and water, just as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did all those centuries ago.

Suhoor is the pre-dawn “power breakfast.” If your colleague is a bit quiet at 9:00 AM, remember they’ve likely been up since 4:00 AM.

The Invitation: Don’t be surprised if you get invited to a community Iftar. Mosques and families love to host guests during Ramadan. If you go, bring fruit or something sweet! This is much appreciated.

Beyond the Fast: Charity and Renewal

As you probably know, Islam is much more than just fasting one month out of the whole year.

But because we concentrate of Ramadan and fasting, it is good to keep in mind that in 2026, we talk a lot about “resetting” and “wellness.”

Ramadan is the ultimate reset. Not just for the body in the form of fashionable “intermittent fasting”, but also for the mind.

It’s about Zakat (charity) and empathy. We fast to remind ourselves of those who don’t have the choice to eat. We suffer from feeling cold due to lack of energy, not just to be miserable, but to remember those who have been forced out of their homes into tents or worse.

Ramadan’s a call to be a better version of ourselves—more patient, more giving, and more connected.

Take a Moment to Support the Author’s Caffeine Fund! ☕

Sure, there are challenges – especially for coffee lovers like myself (you’re not alone!). As I mentioned, I am a huge coffee lover. During the daylight hours of Ramadan, my coffee machine stands silent and lonely. But whilst I might battle against the caffeine headache, the research for my upcoming Al-Andalus novel and these blog texts continues!

If you found this guide helpful, or if you want to help me stock up on high-quality beans for those post-sunset writing sessions, consider supporting my work. Think of it as a “Virtual Iftar treat” for your favorite writer! 😘

You can show your support by Buying Me A Coffee here.