Muslims around the world are today celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which is the official end to Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn till dusk.
Samira Belani, a physiotherapist with HealthStrong is one of many employees at Medibank who took part in Ramadan and is now celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
HealthStrong – part of Medibank – delivers healthcare services including physiotherapy, podiatry, and occupational therapy, within retirement and aged care homes.
“During Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat or drink during the day with the purpose of experiencing and standing in the shoes of those less fortunate. It’s a strong reminder of how lucky we are compared to others around the world,” explains Samira.
Samira adds that Ramadan is also a time when Muslims prioritise helping others and donating to those in need.
“The experience reminds us to be grateful for what we have and that we can make a difference, big or small,”
“Eid al-Fitr allows you to take the time to reconnect with loved ones. Family and friends get together at each other’s houses to enjoy delicious feasts of both savoury and sweet treats! I have non-Muslim friends who are always invited to celebrate Eid with me. You don’t need to have fasted to join in the celebrations!”
Samira is a mobile practitioner, which takes her around Sydney for work. Her role gives her the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of aged care residents, by helping them with pain management, assessing their mobility and simply improving their quality of life.
Thanks to a fantastic team and leader, Samira had flexibility with her shifts and job locations, to work with Ramadan.
“I have a great team at HealthStrong, who are respectful of the diverse backgrounds of the team. They made sure I was able to stay as close to home as possible which ensured I got home in time to break my fast and eat with my family.”