What Employers and Educators Need to Know About Accommodations for Ramadan and the Holiday, Eid ul-Fitr

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director (Bio)

February 18, 2026

Ramadan began for many Muslims on February 18, 2026. This month-long observance will conclude with Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast), expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Below is a brief overview of what you should know, and the types of accommodations Muslim students or employees may request during this time.

Accommodations for Fasting Employees During Ramadan

The following are examples of accommodations that Muslim employees may request.
It is important to take cues from employees rather than make assumptions about their needs. Muslims are diverse and not monolithic. A welcoming and inclusive workplace culture increases the likelihood that employees will feel comfortable requesting what they need.

Flexible Work Hours

• One of the most common requests is for flexible start and end times to accommodate pre-dawn and sunset meals. For example, an employee may request to start work at 7:00 AM instead of 8:30 or 9:00 AM and leave earlier after completing their shift.
• Employees working into the evening may request an extended dinner break to break their fast at sunset, pray, and eat in a relaxed manner.

Adjusted Breaks for Prayer

• Some employees may request access to a quiet, clean space for prayer if their workspace does not provide adequate privacy.
• They may also need short breaks for daily prayers.
• Depending on the time of year or work schedule, observant Muslims may perform noon, afternoon, and sunset prayers during work hours. Each typically takes 10–15 minutes, including the ritual washing beforehand.

Sensitivity Around Meetings and Events

Avoid scheduling mandatory lunch meetings or food-centered events. While many Muslims may not object, it can feel uncomfortable for some to participate in meals or food-focused gatherings while a peer is fasting.

Remote or Hybrid Work Options

If available to all staff, remote or hybrid options can be especially helpful during Ramadan. This reduces commute fatigue and allows for a more comfortable environment for prayer and meals.

Awareness and Education

• Recognizing Ramadan in workplace communications fosters a sense of belonging. Simple gestures, such as a company-wide message wishing employees “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan), can go a long way.
• Brief educational materials or sessions can help coworkers better understand the fasting experience and build allyship.  This digital presentation is a helpful resource: Know All About Ramadan | Ramadan Presentation by ING

Iftar or Eid Celebrations

Some employees may wish to host an iftar (breaking-of-the-fast) dinner or organize an Eid celebration.  Some organizations support these initiatives in the same way they support other cultural or holiday events.

Time Off During the Last Ten Days

Some employees may request time off during the last ten days of Ramadan, which are considered especially sacred. Many devote this period to intensified prayer and spiritual reflection.

Time Off for Eid

• Employees may request a full or half day off for Eid al-Fitr.
• Recognizing it as a major religious holiday in scheduling decisions enhances workplace inclusivity.
• The customary greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (“Blessed holiday”), though “Happy holidays” is also appropriate.

As always, take cues from employees and avoid assumptions about their needs.

Guidance for Educators: Supporting Fasting Muslim Students

During Ramadan, some Muslim students will be fasting from dawn until sunset. Fasting affects daily routines, so small adjustments can make a meaningful difference in students’ well-being and learning.

As with all accommodations, take cues from students and families rather than make assumptions.

Understand the Student Experience During Ramadan

• Students who are fasting wake up before dawn to eat a light meal, then either return to sleep briefly or begin getting ready for school.
• They attend school and participate in their usual activities, breaking their fast at home after sunset.
• In the evenings, some may attend additional prayers at the mosque with family or friends, especially during the week or on weekends.
• Not all Muslim students fast. Younger children, those who are ill, traveling, or otherwise exempt may not be fasting.

Physical Education and Recess

• Allow flexibility in strenuous physical activities.
• Offer alternatives such as:
  • Walking instead of running
  • Light stretching
  • Quiet indoor activities
• Avoid pressuring fasting students to participate in intense exercise.

Food-Centered Activities

• Give advance notice for:
  • Class parties
  • Cooking projects
  • Food-based science or cultural activities
• Offer alternative ways to participate, such as:
  • Observing
  • Completing a written or creative component
  • Saving food for later

Prayer Needs

Some older students may request a quiet space for midday prayer. This typically takes 5–10 minutes.

Field Trips and After-School Activities

Consider the impact of long days without food or water. Provide flexibility or an alternative participation option when possible.

Foster an Inclusive Classroom Climate

• Acknowledge Ramadan in a simple, respectful way.  This digital presentation is a helpful resource: Click here to access the digital presentation, and here to download the presenter scripts if you plan to facilitate the session.
• Encourage curiosity and respectful questions.
• Avoid singling out fasting students or asking them to speak on behalf of all Muslims. Instead, check in with them privately to see whether they would like to use the digital presentation to share information about Ramadan and, if they feel comfortable, their own experiences.

Eid Absences

• Some students will be absent for Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
• Treat it like any other religious holiday:
  • Excuse the absence
  • Allow make-up work without penalty

For any requests for accommodation, remember to get your cues from students or their families. Don’t assume that they need accommodation unless they ask.

Eid ul-Fitr Falls on Friday, March 20, 2026

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate one of their major holidays called Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of Breaking of the Fast.) This year, Eid will fall on Friday, March 20^th.   A special prayer and sermon are held on the morning of Eid day, followed by a community celebration usually at their local mosque, a rented large hall, or in a park. Food, games, and presents for children are important parts of the festivities, as friends and family spend the day socializing, sharing a meal, and reuniting with old acquaintances. Traditionally, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated over three days, which is sometimes possible to do if students and employees plan absences in advance.

Muslim students and employees may ask for the entire first day of Eid off or at least the morning of Eid to join their family in congregational prayers and community celebrations.

Extending greetings to a Muslim during Eid ul-Fitr

To extend greetings to a Muslim on Eid ul-Fitr, you can use common phrases such as Eid Mubarak, which means “blessed holiday,” or simply, “Happy Eid,” since it is a happy occasion.

Parents and Educators of Kindergartners and Preschoolers

As Muslim parents are asked to share about Eid in their children’s classrooms, here are suggested activities and resources, which include books, songs and creative art projects.