What employers and educators need to know about the last 10 days of Ramadan, which are followed by the Muslim holiday, Eid ul-Fitr

By Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director (Bio)

March 28, 2024

Educators and employers, the last 10 days of Ramadan and the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) are fast approaching. Here’s what you need to know and what might be requested by Muslim students or employees.

Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims in which they commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an (Islam’s holy book), and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating moral character, self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.

Ramadan this calendar year began on Monday, March 11^th and will end on Tuesday, April 9^th.

During the last ten days of Ramadan, which fall between Sunday, March 31^st and Tuesday, April 9^th, observant Muslims engage in heightened spiritual devotion. These days are especially revered because it is believed that the Night of Power (Lailat al-Qadr) occurs during one of its odd nights. The Night of Power holds immense significance as it marks the moment when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE. The uncertainty of which specific night it falls on motivates Muslims to remain vigilant throughout the final third of Ramadan. Regardless of the exact date, the last 10 nights of Ramadan are a time for sincere prayers, Quran recitation, and deep contemplation. Mosques remain open all night, and whether at the mosque or in their homes, Muslims try to stay awake most of the last ten nights, seeking spiritual connection and divine blessings.

(A full description of Ramadan traditions can be found here, and a digital presentation about Ramadan with scripts can be found here.)

For Educators:  

• Some students, particularly those from observant families, may actively participate in the traditions of the last ten nights of Ramadan, depending on their age. Alternatively, they might experience long days and sleepless nights due to family members engaging in these traditions. If you notice any grogginess during the day, it’s likely connected to these practices. Importantly, these traditions are not imposed; students participate because they cherish the customs and want to share them with their families.
• Some students may request absences during the last ten days. Working with them to make up for missed work would be appreciated.
• Encouraging students to present about Ramadan in their classrooms or at school is not only appreciated but is also enriching. It provides an opportunity for them to share their cultural traditions, fostering greater awareness and understanding of Muslim cultures. Additionally, allowing young people to express their identity through such presentations is empowering and affirming. Students may access a digital presentation about Ramadan here for primary and middle school students, or here for high school students. 
• A full listing of religious practices of observant Muslim students that may require accommodations are here.

For Employers: 

• Some observant Muslim employees may ask for time off anytime during the last ten days of Ramadan.
• Some may ask for a change in their work schedule where they arrive and leave early or arrive and leave later in the day.
• All other accommodations during Ramadan such as avoiding meetings where food is served and having a quiet place for prayer may have already been requested. If not, some employees may ask for accommodations during the last ten days of Ramadan. 

For any requests for accommodation, remember to get your cues from students or employees. I wouldn’t assume that they need accommodation unless they ask.

Eid ul-Fitr on April 10^th 

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 Wednesday, April 10^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.