The Islamic Association Schura hopes for Ramadan lighting in the Lower Saxony state capital of Hanover to highlight the equality of all population groups regardless of their origin, nationality, or religion. Cities like Frankfurt and Cologne already have festive lighting for Ramadan, which is seen as a model action in a democratic and pluralistic society. The Muslim fasting month began on March 10 and ends on Tuesday, with the Eid al-Fitr celebration between April 10 and 12. The Ramadan is considered one of the five basic duties for believers in Islam. During the festival, believers abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex during the day and gather in the evening for the traditional iftar, often starting with a date and a sip of water. In Lower Saxony, there are approximately 450,000 Muslims, which is just over six percent of the population.
Muslim students in Lower Saxony are allowed to skip school on the first day of Eid al-Fitr if they apply for an exemption. Similarly, employees would need to take a vacation day as Eid al-Fitr is not a public holiday. However, Muslims do not expect special treatment in the workplace during Ramadan, as they believe that normal daily activities should continue as usual. The Islamic Association Schura would welcome more visibility of Islamic holidays in the workplace to foster understanding between fasting and non-fasting colleagues. Niedersachsen’s Minister-President Stephan Weil (SPD) will host a reception on Saturday to mark the end of Ramadan, possibly addressing the yet-to-be-signed state treaty that would bring Muslims on par with churches and the Jewish community in areas like Islamic burials and religious education.
Discussions regarding the state treaty, which was completed in its basic form in 2016, are ongoing, and while it is not official negotiations for a state treaty with Islamic associations, there is no clear timetable for resuming talks. Reports suggest that the state of Rhineland-Palatinate may sign a state treaty with Muslim associations this year, following in the footsteps of states like Bremen that have had such agreements for several years. The Islamic Association Schura continues to advocate for greater recognition of Islamic holidays in the workplace, with suggestions for employers to invite fasting and non-fasting employees to iftar gatherings during Ramadan to promote mutual understanding. Overall, the push for Ramadan lighting in Hanover is part of a broader conversation about religious equality and inclusion in German society.
