Celebrating Ramadan and Eid: embracing inter-community allyship

Umaid Hassan, Knowledge Management Specialist, shares insights into the significance of Eid, community initiatives, and the vital role of allyship during Ramadan.

“Our Muslim Wisers Community reminds me daily that I don’t have to choose between my faith and my career, as Wise embraces both.”

Umaid Hassan (He/Him)

Knowledge Management Specialist

Tell us more about Eid al-Fitr and how it is celebrated

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It’s celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the lunar Islamic calendar. This Eid symbolises spiritual renewal, gratitude, and communal solidarity. It’s a reward for Muslims after an intensive month of dawn-to-sunset fasting, prayers, and self-reflection. Eid al-Fitr emphasises charity (Zakat al-Fitr), forgiveness, and the strengthening of familial and social bonds. During this time, the obligatory Zakat al-Fitr has to be given before the Eid prayer, to help ensure that those in need also have an opportunity to participate in the celebrations.

The celebrations start on the last night of Ramadan and involve moon sightings, shopping for the celebrations, and applying henna on hands (mehndi). The Eid day starts with large congregational prayer gatherings at dawn held in open spaces or mosques. New clothes, mostly traditional, are worn to signify the renewal and festivity. After that family gatherings are held where Eid specialities like Sheer khurma (sweet vermicelli pudding) and Kheer (rice pudding) are served. Gifts are also exchanged in these gatherings, especially children, who receive Eidi (a gift of money) from their elders.

Tell us more about the Muslim Wisers Community at Wise

The Muslim Wisers Community connects Muslim employees at the company globally, fostering faith, cultural pride, and mutual empowerment. With a global steering committee and local representatives, it ensures Muslim voices are integrated into Wise's culture, creating a sense of belonging.

The community supports members via Slack, sharing resources, and promoting allyship and education on Islamophobia, resulting in initiatives like the Guide to Countering Islamophobia to help build a more inclusive workplace for everyone. By creating spaces for faith and shared experiences, Wise reaffirms that inclusivity isn’t just a value, but a practice. This community reminds me daily that I don’t have to choose between my faith and my career, as Wise embraces both. It’s a testament to the company’s commitment to building a workplace where everyone can thrive authentically.

Can you share a memorable or proud moment related to Ramadan and/or Eid inside or outside of work?

One of my most memorable moments during Ramadan outside of work was organising a community food distribution drive for families in need. Inspired by zakat (charity) and the communal spirit of the month, we assembled care packages with essentials like rice, lentils, dates, and cooking oil. The gratitude we received was deeply moving—tearful smiles from the elderly, heartfelt prayers from parents, and even a drawing from a child that said, “this is for making our Ramadan happy”. This experience reinforced how small acts of compassion can bridge divides and nurture hope.

Equally meaningful was a proud moment at Wise during last year’s Ramadan, when we organised our first Iftar event in the Budapest office with the support from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team. Colleagues gathered to share traditional dishes like samosas, gulab jamun, and biryani. This year, we expanded the initiative into a Ramadan Challenge, inviting non-Muslim colleagues to voluntarily join us in fasting for a day and participating in Iftar to learn and experience more about what Ramadan means with their fellow Wisers. These moments reflect Wise’s commitment to fostering a culture of belonging.

How do you feel supported at Wise during Ramadan?

Practical support during Ramadan is crucial, like providing prayer spaces, flexibility for daily Salah (prayer), and supporting halal food options at team events. During Ramadan, offering flexible hours to accommodate suhoor and iftar shows understanding and respect for religious practices.

Wise shares guidance with its employees during this period to help them understand how they can support team members who may be fasting.

Allyship isn’t about perfection. It’s a commitment to learning, adapting, and creating spaces where Muslim colleagues feel seen and valued. By embracing this mindset, we don’t just amplify inclusion; we build workplaces where everyone thrives, authentically and unapologetically.