(SEATTLE, WA, 4/2/21) –The Washington State Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Washington) today published its updated Educator's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices and emailed its Ramadan Accommodations Letter to Educators to Washington State Educators and Education Associations.
“It’s important that Muslim students celebrating Ramadan are supported by our schools even as many are doing socially-distanced learning,” said Imraan Siddiqi, Executive Director at CAIR Washington. “Creating an inclusive environment year-round for Muslim students and especially during Ramadan makes students feel seen and supported by their teachers and peers.”
Siddiqi said accommodations can be as simple as letting students take tests at a later time, giving them the opportunity to break for prayer during online classes, and allowing students to turn off their cameras whenever possible.
“The important thing is that teachers and school staff try to understand and show respect for the practices and beliefs of their Muslims students,” said Siddiqi. “This will help foster a more welcoming and collaborative learning environment for all.”
This year, Ramadan begins on Monday, April 12 (+/- one day) and lasts 29 to 30 days. It ends with the Eid Al-Fitr holiday on Thursday, May 13th (+/- one day).
Ramadan is considered one of the holy months in the Islamic calendar and is when Muslims abstain from food and drink from pre-dawn until sunset. Kindness, forgiveness, and helping out those in need are emphasized and practiced during this time. Many Muslims also use Ramadan as a time to reset and start anew, creating new goals and improving old ones to improve oneself and rejuvenate the spirit and the soul.
For more information on Ramadan and Ramadan accommodations, check out our Ramadan Accommodations Letter to Educators (attached).
For more information on Islamic practices and how schools can accommodate Muslim students (including during Ramadan and religious holidays), check out our Educator's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices.
CONTACT: Jessica Schreindl, CAIR Washington Media Manager This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 208-290-0500
AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA: Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-WA Executive Director
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, proteger las libertades civiles, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.