DWF continues to deepen its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where colleagues of all backgrounds feel respected, supported and able to thrive. Each year, Ramadan offers an important opportunity to reinforce this commitment towards our Muslim colleagues by recognising and offering support throughout this sacred month—while also educating and engaging the wider workforce in meaningful cultural understanding.
In 2026, Ramadan will be observed from 17 February to 18 March, during which Muslims fast from first light to sunset. It is a period of self-reflection, community, charity and prayer.
DWF routinely acknowledges Ramadan by providing extended space for prayer and reflection across its office locations, sharing information on the support and flexibility available to colleagues who are fasting, and guidance on how teams can support one another. Annual Ramadan awareness campaigns help colleagues understand the tools and support available to balance religious observance with work commitments.
The Growth of The Muslim Support Group
In 2025, following increased activity around Ramadan through the DWF Race & Ethnicity Network, a new Muslim Support Group was created to provide dedicated support, connection and advocacy for Muslim colleagues in the workplace. The group has already grown to more than 50 passionate members and since its creation the group has:
- Shared members stories and experiences linked to their heritage as part events for South Asian Heritage Month 2025.
- Inspired the DWF Reward team to launch a new Shariah-compliant pension fund investment strategy with the DWF pension provider, Aviva. This enables Muslim colleagues to plan and invest for their future in a way that aligns with their beliefs, representing a meaningful advancement in equitable financial wellbeing at DWF.
- Supported the creation and refresh of e-cards marking Ramadan, Eid and other key cultural dates.
- Led the shaping of events and initiatives to mark Ramadan 2026.
One such initiative is a National Day of Fasting on 24 February 2026. Building on an initial event in 2025, for 2026 this concept will be expanded to cover seven UK office sites as well as providing a virtual option for remote workers and global colleagues to join.
The initiative is designed to foster empathy, unity and deeper understanding across DWF.
Fasting encourages reflection, self-discipline and compassion for others—values that align with DWF's broader culture of care and respect.
To ensure the experience is accessible to all, colleagues are encouraged to participate in a way that feels right for them. While some may choose to abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, others may opt to temporarily give up something meaningful, such as coffee, social media or snacks.
Throughout the day, participants will stay connected via dedicated chat groups, offering encouragement, sharing observations and supporting one another.
In the spirit of Ramadan, colleagues will also be encouraged to donate their lunch money to the DWF Foundation, supporting local community initiatives and reinforcing the value of giving back.
In each location the Fasting Day will conclude with participating colleagues coming together to break the fast, share food and reflect on their experiences as a group.
The Group will also be sharing a curated series of colleague blogs highlighting the many dimensions of Ramadan and the diverse experiences of fasting in the workplace. This will include contributions from:
- Kashaf Latif, Senior Administration Assistant, Glasgow
- Ishaa Hussain, Trainee Solicitor, Manchester
- Julia Pasztor, HR Manager, Dubai
- Farah Haidar, Senior Associate, Qatar
Chair of the Muslim Support Group and DWF Solicitor Sager Moughal said, "Our strength as an international firm lies in our willingness to understand experiences different from our own. Participating in the National Day of Fasting is a simple and respectful way to do this, and it strengthens the culture of collaboration that underpins our shared value to Be Better Together.”
We would like to thank the Race & Ethnicity Network for their continued commitment and leadership in this space, and give special thanks to Sager Moughal, Bushra Ali, Fareen Akhtar, Ismail Al Amin, Sara Riazat, Adam Barber, Andrea Hennessey, Kashaf Latif, Adam Kazi, Ishaa Hussain, Julia Pasztor, Farah Haidar, Neville Sampson, and all the members of the Muslim Support Group for their invaluable work in developing and delivering these initiatives.
