Call for 2-day Eid holidays sparks debate: Seeking clarity and inclusivity

The recent celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr underscores the necessity of considering a two-day holiday for Muslims.

The Islamic calendar, which operates on lunar cycles, presents challenges in alignment with the Gregorian calendar.

Additionally, Islamic tradition dictates that a month consists of either 29 or 30 days, with the sighting of the moon marking the beginning or end of each month. Consequently, the 2024 Ramadan concluded on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, followed by Eid ul-Fitr on Wednesday, April 10th, marking the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

But unfortunately, employed and student Muslims had to pray or celebrate the Eid on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

The current challenge arises from the requirement to inform the government in advance to declare a holiday.

The Office of the National Chief Imam is tasked with selecting the holiday date and coordinating religious rites for Eid celebrations in Ghana. Traditionally, the Office has chosen the later available option rather than the earlier date.

This year, for instance, the Office selected Thursday, April 11th, 2024, despite being aware that the celebration could be on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024.

This practice leads to various issues for Muslims nationwide, impacting religious harmony and inviting criticism toward the Chief Imam and his office, as evidenced by social media posts and comments during and after Eid celebrations annually.

From a social responsibility perspective, the following measures could provide lasting solutions to this issue:

1. The Government of Ghana (GOG) is urged to take proactive steps towards enhancing religious inclusivity and accommodation by instituting a policy to grant a two-day holiday for each Eid celebration, effectively providing Muslims with four holidays annually. This strategic adjustment not only addresses the logistical challenges faced by the Office of the National Chief Imam in coordinating holiday dates but also holds promising implications for fostering greater religious harmony and social cohesion across the nation.

By allocating a two-day holiday for each Eid celebration, the GOG can significantly streamline the process for the Office of the National Chief Imam to coordinate holiday dates with ample lead time, ensuring smooth and well-organized celebrations. This adjustment acknowledges the unique nature of the Islamic calendar and the importance of timely preparation for religious observances, thereby demonstrating governmental support for religious freedoms and practices.

Moreover, such a policy shift holds profound potential to cultivate a sense of belonging and inclusion within the Muslim community. By guaranteeing that Muslims are adequately catered to during these significant religious occasions, the government signals its commitment to respecting and accommodating the religious needs and traditions of its citizens. This proactive approach not only promotes religious tolerance and understanding but also strengthens social cohesion by fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among diverse religious groups.

Additionally, by addressing the concerns related to holiday scheduling and coordination, this policy initiative could help mitigate criticisms directed at the Office of the National Chief Imam. By providing sufficient time and resources for effective planning and execution of Eid celebrations, the government demonstrates its commitment to supporting religious leaders and institutions in their important roles within society.

• Organizations are encouraged to embrace inclusivity and respect for religious diversity by extending support to their Muslim employees or community members during Eid celebrations. Granting an additional day off during these significant religious observances not only acknowledges the importance of Eid in the lives of Muslims but also demonstrates a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

By providing this flexibility, organizations show appreciation for the religious practices and cultural traditions of their Muslim staff members. This gesture not only enhances morale and loyalty but also strengthens relationships between employees and employers. It fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, promoting a positive work environment where individuals feel valued and respected regardless of their religious background.

Moreover, accommodating the religious needs of Muslim employees aligns with principles of equity and fairness in the workplace. It ensures that all employees have equal opportunities to participate fully in both work and religious observances without facing undue hardship or discrimination.

By considering the needs of Muslim employees during Eid celebrations, organizations contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society where individuals of all faiths can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.

• Encouraging Muslim employees in organizations to utilize their leave entitlements during Eid periods is pivotal in ensuring that they can fully engage in and enjoy the celebrations without compromising their professional commitments. By taking advantage of their leave allowances during Eid, Muslim employees can devote their time and energy to observing religious rituals, spending quality time with family and loved ones, and participating in community festivities.

By accommodating the religious needs of Muslim employees, organizations demonstrate their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for religious freedoms. This inclusive approach not only strengthens employee morale and loyalty but also enhances organizational culture by fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation among all members of the workforce.

Furthermore, enabling Muslim employees to fully participate in Eid celebrations contributes to their overall well-being and satisfaction in the workplace. Recognizing and respecting their religious traditions fosters a positive work environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported in balancing their professional and religious obligations.

Organizations can also promote cultural awareness and understanding by organizing interfaith events or educational initiatives to commemorate Eid and other religious holidays. These efforts help bridge cultural divides, promote mutual respect, and foster a spirit of unity and cooperation among employees from diverse religious backgrounds.

The implementation of measures to grant a two-day holiday leave for Eid celebrations promotes religious inclusivity, harmony, and social cohesion within the community. By recognizing and accommodating the religious needs of Muslim employees, the government and organizations play a vital role in fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and unity among individuals of diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

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The author, Dr. I.K. Abdul-Hamid, is the Head of the Marketing Department at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.

You can reach him on Ikabdul-hamid@upsamail.edu.gh