Ep308: What Ramadan Means to Me, with Saleha Khan

Changing Lenses: Diversify Your Perspectives

Ramadan Mubarak! This special episode of the Changing Lenses podcast is being released just before the holy month of Ramadan, an incredibly significant time in the Islamic faith.

Before I met Saleha Khan, the only thing I really knew about Ramadan was that people fasted for the whole month between sunrise and sunset. In order to truly appreciate what Ramadan means, and how it would be celebrated if Islam was the norm (vs. Christianity or secularism), I asked Saleha to share how she experiences Ramadan.

Saleha was born in Pakistan, raised in Saudi Arabia, and now lives in Canada. She graciously agreed to share her childhood stories of Ramadan in Riyadh, and how that compares to Ramadan as a Muslim woman in Canada.

Saleha also happens to be a specialist in equity, diversity and inclusion, having worked in this field for over 20 years, almost 14 of which was spent with various Ontario police forces.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The spiritual and relational meaning of Ramadan
• Why people fast during Ramadan, and who does (and doesn’t) fast
• The hardest part of fasting for Saleha (surprise, it’s not feeling hungry!)
• If you’re not Muslim, how you can create an inclusive work environment for people who honour Ramadan
• If you are Muslim, how you can advocate for more inclusion at work during Ramadan

Full episode transcript available here.

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Guest Bio and References/Links

A little about Saleha in her own words:
I have been involved in Diversity & Inclusion development for almost nineteen years now; I consider myself to be one of those blessed ones who work in the same field where their passions and interests lie. I grew up in a multi-lingual and multi-cultural setting and I find that experience has helped me gain insights into human behavior that has supported my journey in leadership development for those entrusted to me. I see this work as a social and ethical responsibility that needs critical perspective and global viewpoints to not only begin courageous conversations in safe spaces but to create those bold places where conversations turn into actions that bring about culture shift.

Find Saleha on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saleha-khan-5b12263

References and resources in this episode:

Names for Allah (God):

https://www.definitions.net/definition/rabb

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_God_in_Islam

Fawazeer Ramadan TV Show:

https://www.arabadonline.com/en/details/advertising/Chevrolet-Arabia-Reimagines-Iconic-Fawazir-Riddle-Shows
With comments made by children between the age of 8 and 12

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