By Ali Younis, IT Service Desk Agent
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims around the world, is a time of self-reflection, spiritual renewal, and increased devotion, but for those of us working in the bustling world of IT, navigating the challenges of fasting while keeping up with work can be quite the adventure! Luckily, I’ve had the support of my amazing colleagues at IT Naturally, who have made this journey a memorable and enjoyable one, filled with laughter and camaraderie.
One of the first challenges of fasting while working in IT is dealing with being “hangry” – that dreaded feeling of hunger mixed with anger. As the day goes on, and the clock ticks towards Iftar (the evening meal to break the fast), my stomach starts growling, and my patience can wear thin. But my colleagues at IT Naturally have been nothing short of superheroes in this department. They know the struggle, and they’ve come up with creative ways to keep me going.
One of my colleagues, let’s call him “The Snack Master,” keeps an emergency stash of snacks hidden in his locker which would put a vending machine to shame! When the hunger pangs hit hard, he’ll sneakily offer a piece of chocolate or a granola bar, accompanied by a playful wink and a knowing smile. It’s like having a secret ally in the battle against hunger, and it always brings a much-needed burst of energy and a good chuckle to the office.
Another colleague, whom I lovingly call “The Lunchtime Whisperer,” has a unique talent for describing the most delicious meals in intricate detail during our team meetings. As he regales me with tales of succulent steaks, mouth-watering burgers, and cheesy pizzas, my imagination runs wild, and my hunger reaches new heights. It’s both torture and entertainment, and I’ve learned to appreciate the humour in it all.
In addition to the snacks and lunchtime whispers, my colleagues have also been incredibly supportive and understanding during this month of fasting. They are always mindful of my needs and never hesitate to offer a helping hand or a kind word of encouragement. Whether it’s covering for me during prayer times, offering to take on extra tasks to lighten my load, or simply checking in on how I’m doing, their care and empathy make the fasting experience at work so much easier and more enjoyable.
One particularly memorable moment was my first fast in the office. As we were about to start our night shift, my colleagues surprised me with a delicious spread of dates, fruits, and refreshments on the meeting table. They had thoughtfully arranged a mini Iftar feast so that I could break my fast with the team. It was such a heartwarming gesture that brought tears of gratitude and laughter to my eyes. It’s moments like these that make IT Naturally feel like a second family, where we can share our traditions and celebrate our differences with warmth and inclusivity.
Of course, fasting in Ramadan while working in IT does come with its fair share of technical challenges as well. The brain fog and fatigue can make troubleshooting a bit more challenging, and the temptation to sneak a quick nap can be hard to resist. But with the support and humour of my colleagues, these challenges are easily overcome.
We’ve learned to find humour in my “zombie-mode” moments and share funny stories of office mishaps or coffee-induced frenzies. It’s these light-hearted moments that keep us going and make the work environment at IT Naturally so enjoyable and fun.
So, for me fasting in Ramadan while working in IT has been an adventure filled with challenges, laughter, and camaraderie. The support and care of my colleagues at IT Naturally have made this experience not only manageable but also incredibly memorable in the most comical way.
So, here’s to surviving Ramadan with a smile on our faces and a full heart of gratitude for my fantastic family at IT Naturally.
