By Sister Ash Ahmad - Founder of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultancy Changing Mindsets| Author of CIPD's EDI Accredited Programme | Global Public Speaker | Events Host

As Muslims, we take pride in standing up for others. Whether it’s raising awareness for humanitarian causes, supporting justice movements, or contributing to charity, our sense of ummah drives us to defend and uplift those in need. Following the example of our beloved Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, we embody compassion, fairness, and the willingness to help others.

Yet, when it comes to advocating for ourselves, we often hesitate. Asking for what we need—whether in our workplaces, communities, or even within our families—feels uncomfortable. Many of us convince ourselves that remaining silent is a form of humility, patience, or good manners. However, at its core, this hesitation often stems from a deeper fear of discomfort or conflict.

Why Self-Advocacy Matters
Self-advocacy is not about demanding or causing conflict—it’s about clarity. It means recognising our needs, articulating them with wisdom, and ensuring we create an environment where we can thrive rather than just survive. Allāh commands us to stand for truth, even against ourselves:

When we remain silent about our struggles—whether that’s seeking prayer accommodations, requesting time off for Eid, or simply ensuring our rights are met—we risk normalising discomfort for ourselves and those who come after us. If we don’t advocate for our needs, who will?

Speaking Up This Ramaḍān
With Ramaḍān upon us, this conversation becomes even more relevant. Fasting, night prayers, and increased worship require physical, mental, and emotional adjustments. Whether it’s requesting flexibility in work hours, ensuring we have a space to break our fast, or arranging leave for Eid, now is the time to ask.

💡 Self-advocacy in action:
✅ Need adjustments at work during Ramaḍān? Have an open conversation with your employer.
✅ Struggling with prayer spaces? Request a quiet area for ṣalāh.
✅ Unsure about Eid leave? Plan ahead and communicate early.

To help facilitate these conversations, The Quran Hub encourages all Muslim employees to confidently advocate for their rights with respect and professionalism. We are sharing a free email template to help Muslims request Ramaḍān accommodations at work.

📝 Download the professional email template: 👉 https://changing-mindsets.com/free-email-template/

📚 Explore our Ramaḍān Toolkit for workplace advocacy: 👉 https://changing-mindsets.com/product/ramadan-toolkit/

For organisations and communities, supporting Muslims in their self-advocacy is not just an act of goodwill—it’s a responsibility. We urge employers, community leaders, and families to foster environments where Muslims can comfortably express their needs without fear of backlash or judgment.

This Ramaḍān, let’s break the cycle of silence. Let’s create spaces where Muslims can confidently advocate for their needs while maintaining the best of character. The Prophet ﷺ himself taught:

"The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allāh than the weak believer, though there is good in both." (Saḥīḥ Muslim 2664)

Strength comes not just in standing for others, but also in standing for ourselves. May this Ramaḍān be a means of courage, clarity, and conviction for all of us.