{"id":795,"date":"2022-04-01T20:32:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T20:32:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/?p=795"},"modified":"2023-10-29T15:21:35","modified_gmt":"2023-10-29T15:21:35","slug":"ramadan-a-day-in-the-life-at-salesforce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/ramadan-a-day-in-the-life-at-salesforce\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does Ramadan Really Mean to People at Salesforce?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ramadan is a highly respected and blessed month for Muslims all across the globe. It is one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/learn\/educators\/curriculum-resources\/art-of-the-islamic-world\/unit-one\/the-five-pillars-of-islam\" target=\"_blank\" adhocenable=\"false\" rel=\"noopener\">the five pillars of Islam<\/a> which Muslims regard very highly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Salesforce our employees span every corner of the world, and come from different faiths and religious backgrounds. Not knowing a lot about the typical day-to-day of someone practicing Ramadan, I wanted to catch up with some Salesforce employees in the UK to gain a better understanding of what Ramandan is really like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zahid-jiwa-senior-avp-0\"> <b>Zahid Jiwa (Senior AVP)<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-personal-betterment-amp-enlightenment\"><b><i>Personal Betterment &amp; Enlightenment<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Ramadan is probably one of my favourite times of the year for two reasons. While I don\u2019t fast (because I suffer from migraines that don\u2019t allow me to function), I do use it to try and make small changes in my life or investments in areas where I\u2019ve failed over the last 11 months to try and be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last year, it was to make sure I stopped working at a certain hour to support my family who were going through IVF at the time. So that was one of the changes that I made during Ramadan and it was forced by making sure that we prepared to eat together as a family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dff15d89750&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dff15d89750\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"250\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Zahid-Jiwa-200.png?w=200\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-789\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Zahid-Jiwa-200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Zahid-Jiwa-200.png?w=120&amp;h=150 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, it\u2019s to cut down on screen time and social media, so I\u2019ve made a commitment to myself that I won\u2019t have any social media or be on my phone after fast breaks. I also hope to continue this next year. I use Ramadan to make the changes I\u2019ve been intending to do, but never prioritised, as a way of finding betterment or enlightenment during the month. I also ensure to put family first. You can get very busy with work and social, and so I try to prioritise events around family and Iftar (breaking fast) where we get together more frequently than we normally do. And I\u2019m glad we do that, because last year was my last Ramadan with my grandfather &#8211; he died in October &#8211; and I remember how much time we got with him telling stories, laughing, and eating around the time of Iftar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zubair-salim-account-executive\"><b>Zubair Salim (Account Executive)<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-community\"><b><i>Community<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Being part of a vibrant, multi-faith community and playing an active and positively contributing role in the development of that community is a central tenant to all Monotheistic religions \u2013 Islam is no exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Muslims &#8211; and especially during Ramadan, we are encouraged to pray in congregation, perform the Taraweeh as a mass collective, and give alms to the less fortunate &#8211; all discrete acts which build toward a larger sense of community purpose, which go beyond the individual, to contribute to the common good.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dff15d8a231&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dff15d8a231\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"250\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/zubair-salim-200.png?w=200\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/zubair-salim-200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/zubair-salim-200.png?w=120&amp;h=150 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>But for this Ramadan, the opportunity to reconnect with my community in a post-pandemic world represents something more profound. It represents a chance to re-connect with old school mates, receive (unwanted) advice from my father\u2019s best friends, gather funds for my friends\u2019 families in the Ukraine, and crush the loneliness felt by my elderly neighbours. I will also get the chance to see my son wearing a Thawb (an ankle-length robe) as he attends Eid-ul Fitr prayers for the first time (the end of Ramadan).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A collection of old and new things, many of which I\u2019m sure I took for granted in previous Ramadans&#8230;but not in 2022!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-koser-khan-sr-director-customer-marketing\"> <b>Koser Khan (Sr. Director, Customer Marketing)<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-family-and-charity\"><b><i>Family and Charity<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Fasting is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, but there\u2019s a lot more to Ramadan (the 9th month in the Islamic calendar) than not eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. It\u2019s a time for cleansing and connecting, for gratitude and giving back; for humility and humanity &#8211; even more so than at any other time of the year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dff15d8af22&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dff15d8af22\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/koser-khan.jpg?w=200\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/koser-khan.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/koser-khan.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>My family and I will be spending more time praying and reading the Qur&#8217;an (the Muslim holy book that was revealed during the month of Ramadan) and opening our hearts and homes to family, friends and those less fortunate &#8211; the more people at your table, the greater the blessings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A core element of fasting &#8211; and one I\u2019m super passionate about &#8211; is charity. It\u2019s mentioned throughout the Quran &#8211; highlighting its significance in Islam. We\u2019ll be playing our small part in making the world a better place; whether it\u2019s feeding a family for a month, sponsoring a child\u2019s year of schooling, building a water well or running a bread factory for a day. It\u2019s a time for us all to drop the bad habits, adopt good ones and apply them to our lives throughout the year and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ansar-ahmed-vp-solution-engineering\"> <b>Ansar Ahmed (VP, Solution Engineering)<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fasting\"><b><i>Fasting<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>During Ramadan, a typical day will start between 3 and 4am. We get up at that time and have a light breakfast. Personally, getting up at this time is the hardest part of Ramadan. Going without food or water is much easier to handle than the early mornings! I actually find it easier working from the London office during Ramadan, as the journey to and from work and the distractions of the office make the days go faster, and by the time I get home it&#8217;s usually time to open the fast &#8211; Iftar. Some of my colleagues are very conscious of eating or drinking in front of me. They need not worry during Ramadan though, as I\u2019m actually more introspective and it really doesn&#8217;t bother me at all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dff15d8bcab&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dff15d8bcab\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"250\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Ansar-Ahmed-200.png?w=200\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Ansar-Ahmed-200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Ansar-Ahmed-200.png?w=120&amp;h=150 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As the last the two Ramadans were during lockdown, this year the end of fasting will be a much more social occasion, with friends and family getting together to open the fast and a major celebration (Eid) which is held at the end of Ramadan. This is definitely something that will be extra special this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other thing to note is that I&#8217;ve never actually lost weight during Ramadan despite no food or drink during the day. If anything it&#8217;s the reverse as I eat way too much junk food in the evenings, plus zero exercise! It&#8217;s like having 30 cheat days (or should I say cheat evenings) in a row. A lot of Dominos, and Nandos tend to be consumed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-salim-sayed\"> <b>Salim Sayed<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-discipline-and-compassion\"><b><i>Discipline and Compassion<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Ramadan is an amazing and unique month that impacts me on so many levels. Think of it as a month of self wellbeing, reflection, and mindfulness. There is a misconception that people fast just to remember the poor. Although that does play a part, the main essence is to create self-discipline. It is an opportunity for us to curb our ego and passions so we can develop qualities within us that make us better people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dff15d8c902&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dff15d8c902\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"250\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Salim-Sayed-200.png?w=200\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Salim-Sayed-200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Salim-Sayed-200.png?w=120&amp;h=150 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Islam always looks at the good of the greater community. It teaches one to be humble, despite your status and encourages selfless actions. This is all heightened during Ramadan. Collectively it becomes easier to do good. The Muslim philosopher Rumi says it best; &#8216;When you fast, good habits gather like friends who want to help.&#8217;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, fasting helps me to become self-aware of my shortcomings. It instills good values whilst encouraging mindfulness and compassion for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ruqaiyah-jaffery-director-corporate-marketing\"> <b>Ruqaiyah Jaffery (Director, Corporate Marketing)<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mindfulness-and-gratitude\"><b><i>Mindfulness and Gratitude<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>One of the biggest shifts I\u2019ve seen post-pandemic has been people asking themselves \u2018what\u2019s really important?\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For so many of us, being isolated meant we were able to cut out the noise and breathe, take stock and connect with ourselves. When you fast, it\u2019s the same. The absence of food and drink heightens your other senses &#8211; making you more connected than ever before, in what you say, think and do. And breathe &#8211; I mean, really breathe &#8211; and focus on the bigger picture. And truly, like most people, it makes me realise how much I have to be thankful for.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dff15d8d69f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dff15d8d69f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"250\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Ruqaiyah-Jaffery-200.png?w=200\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Ruqaiyah-Jaffery-200.png 200w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/Ruqaiyah-Jaffery-200.png?w=120&amp;h=150 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Being thankful doesn\u2019t just mean appreciating what we have, but to actively say \u2018Thank you\u2019 to people. Also, expressing thanks in your actions whether that\u2019s giving someone a compliment, letting your teenage sons have the last of the chocolate biscuits (you\u2019ve no idea how much you can crave chocolate when you\u2019re fasting!) and generally adopting a positive mindset and appreciating what you have &#8211; be it parents, family, children, friends, water, shelter, health, food, (&#8230;chocolate..the list goes on). Ramadan is a month of so many things &#8211; love, devotion, forgiveness, patience, gratefulness, and I\u2019ll be starting every day, with \u2018I\u2019m thankful for&#8230;.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reflection\"><b>Reflection<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As someone who knew embarrassingly little about Ramadan, it surprised me to realise how much more is involved than just fasting, and what the fasting really symbolises. There are a lot of lessons that can be drawn from what my colleagues have covered here. Ramadan seems to me to be a time to take a step back, self-reflect, be thankful, and focus on self-betterment &#8211; and regardless of religion, I think these habits are beneficial to us all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ramadan Mubarak! To learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/company\/equality\/\"><u>Salesforce\u2019s commitment to equality<\/u><\/a>, check out our website, and for open job vacancies, have a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/uk\/company\/careers\/united-kingdom\/?d=cta-rdr-uk\" target=\"_blank\" adhocenable=\"false\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Careers Site<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <span id=\"authorRoot\" path=\"\/content\/blogs\/gb\/en\/authors\/\"><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read our conversation with some of the Salesforce employees to gain a better understanding of what Ramadan is really like.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":797,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sf_justforyou_enable_alt":true,"optimizely_content_id":"1349963da7474fe18eff603ba43eddad","post_meta_title":"","ai_synopsis":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"sf_topic":[102,103,23],"sf_content_type":[],"coauthors":[207],"class_list":["post-795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","sf_topic-business-as-a-platform-for-change","sf_topic-corporate-culture","sf_topic-equality"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Does Ramadan Really Mean to People at Salesforce? 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