Working in construction during Ramadan: how Ahmed and Hakim experience it
Ramadan is a month of reflection, bonding and fasting from sunrise to sunset. For Ahmed Haddouti and Hakim El Mohadab, both working in the construction department at Mourik, this means combining their physical work with fasting. Now that Ramadan is over, Ahmed and Hakim look back on this period at work.
Physical work and fasting: a challenge?
For many people, combining heavy work with fasting seems challenging, but Ahmed and Hakim see it differently. "Every time Ramadan comes around, I am happy. I do heavy work, but this is not a problem for me," Ahmed says. Hakim acknowledges that the first few days take some getting used to: "The first three days I suffer from some headaches, but after that my body adapts. In hot weather I do feel it and I am thirsty quickly, but you have to persevere. If I really can't do it, I stop for a while, because you can't endanger your body. Then you can also drink or eat, but you have to catch up afterwards."
Hakim continues, "I have been working at Mourik since 2014 and this has never been a problem," he says. "With Eid al-Fitr, I also bring a tray of biscuits and cakes for my colleagues. Eid al-Fitr is all about sharing and actually that is something we always do, but with Eid al-Fitr this is emphasised extra."
Ramadan requires a good balance between work, fasting and prayer. Hakim explains that sometimes it is challenging to pray at set times at work: "You have to pray at set times, but if you are at work, for example, it is difficult." Ahmed adds, "Then you can catch up later." On eating and drinking in the morning before work, Hakim says: "Eating or drinking more before sunrise doesn't make much difference. But even in the evening when eating, you have to take it easy."
More than just fasting
Ramadan is not only about not eating and drinking, but also about faith and togetherness. "What you do at home or work remains the same, but Ramadan is a holy month so, for example, I read more in the Quran," says Hakim. This period is also important within the family. "On weekends, we go to family for dinner, every Friday or Saturday. That is always very cosy," says Hakim.
After a month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr arrives, a day of togetherness and gratitude. "First we go to the mosque in the morning," Ahmed says. Hakim adds: "After that, we have dinner with the family and visit family and friends. I also always give a present to my wife, as she is the one who cooks all month."
With Eid al-Fitr I also bring a tray of biscuits and cakes for my colleagues.
Working in construction during Ramadan requires a good balance between work and fasting. Ahmed and Hakim show that it is possible to combine physical work with Ramadan without affecting their work.
