On 24 March 2023, Barca staff came together to take part in an inclusive day of fasting followed by an evening celebration and Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast after sunset. 25 staff members took part, Joe shares his experience of our day of fasting here: 

In previous years at Barca we have marked Ramadan with goodwill messages and sent information around to all the staff and ensured there is flexible working and prayer space available. At the start of 2023 some Muslim colleagues wanted to do more – so they planned what they wanted to happen, which turned out to be something quite amazing.  

They invited non-Muslim Barca colleagues to fast for a day with them and it was a fantastic and humbling experience. This is what happened. 

Before the day – 25 Barca members of staff signed up to fast. Our Muslim colleagues gave us loads of really good advice on how to prepare for and manage the day including drinking plenty of water the day before to help stay hydrated until the following sunset. A WhatsApp support group was set up for everyone to share their experience and get advice, encouragement and help if needed. This really was a good resource so that no one needed to feel alone during the day.  

Remembering that the fast is during daytime, I thought I was going to be ok to get my breakfast just before sunrise at 6.07 . . . only to find out that 4.29 am is the designated time – I now know that there is a big difference between dawn and sunrise!  

The recommended breakfast of oats, cereals and yoghurt was great and saw me through until late morning. I was working at a conference all day so I was busy and on my feet all day which was helpful. But, it also meant that people were wandering past with coffee and croissants, eek! My biggest fear, though, was forgetting I was supposed to be fasting and grab something (glad I didn’t).Apparently, this is a common thing which is recognised in Islam and if it is unintentional then you are forgiven and your fast is still valid.  

It made me realise that in all the years I have known, worked with and played sport with Muslim friends, neighbours and colleagues during Ramadan, I have never heard a single one of them complain about being hungry. This is because it is a great celebration and they embrace this pillar of their faith as a positive thing.  

After feeling very hungry around midday for an hour or so, it did seem to recede and was quite manageable, although people did say on the support group that caffeine withdrawal was kicking in for them. I guess this is one of the points of Ramadan in helping us to learn more about ourselves and recognise the negative effect of what we put into our bodies as well as gaining a new respect for the food that I am lucky to have available to me whenever I feel like it.  

The Iftar (evening meal to break our fast) was a really special event that I felt privileged to experience. Our Muslim colleagues, and some of their family members who joined us, observed their prayers, and then we all shared a fabulous meal. Most of the amazing food was home prepared (and supported financially by the Barca Acts of Kindness March event). The atmosphere was so lovely, I felt lucky that I had been given a privileged insight into a very special event that is hiding in plain sight within our society.