Spotlights
Spotlight: Exploring the Traditions of Ramadan with Oumie Drammeh
At Amergis Healthcare Staffing, our team members are at the heart of everything we do. Each month, our Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) board highlights stories of Amergis employees who demonstrates our core values.
This year, Muslims people around the world are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan from February 28th through March 29th. During Ramadan, Muslims fast between dawn and sunset, meaning they don’t eat or drink, as a way to show devotion to their faith while cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. It is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. In honor of Ramadan being celebrated during March, our D&I team spoke with Reimbursement Specialist Oumie Drammeh to learn about the importance and traditions of the holy month.
Oumie’s Ramadan Reflections & Experiences
Can you tell us more about your role, what you do, and how you joined Amergis?
I joined Amergis in August 2022 through a referral from the agency, Robert Half. I am currently in the role of a Reimbursement Specialist II in the corporate office. My main responsibilities include creating accurate and quality billing for clients, maintaining over 60 account balance by making prompt and accurate collection efforts and actively working to reduce outstanding open credit line items. Additionally, my role allows me to learn new processes and connect with colleagues, branch offices and partners to improve operations and prevent issues. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such accommodating team members and leadership in the billing and collection department.
Can you share what Ramadan means to you?
Ramadan for me is a deeply spiritual time centered on self-reflection, faith, generosity and discipline. It provides an opportunity to strengthen my connection with Allah (God) and engaging in extra acts of worship to multiply my rewards. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, and it is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. In 2025, Ramadan will begin on March 1st and will be observed by over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting as one of the five pillars of Islam. They commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an (Islam’s holy book) and dedicate extra time reading it. Acts of charity are emphasized, as this month is a time to help the less fortunate. Ramadan is a chance for family and friends to come together, share meals and show kindness. These practices aim to draw them closer to Allah, seek forgiveness, cultivate self-control, gratitude, empathy and compassion for the less fortunate. Ramadan is a time of intense spiritual rejuvenation, characterized by an increased focus on devotion. Moreover, the health benefits of fasting are reflected in the wisdom of the prophet’s guidance, and he stated that fasting purifies both the body and the soul. Those who are unable to fast such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, the elderly, children, and travelers are exempt from this obligation.
What are some of the key customs and traditions you follow during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, I follow key traditions such as fasting from dawn to sunset, going to the mosque to perform additional prayers like, Taraweeh prayers, reading the Qur’an and giving out charity. Breaking the fast with dates and water followed by a meal with family or friends. Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, is essential for energy throughout the day. Muslims engage in various spiritual activities, following the guidance and wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). Ramadan is welcomed with excitement, with homes cleaned and decorated. Also, many Muslims visit Mecca (Islam’s holy city) to perform Umra during Ramadan for a deeper connection with their faith. Moonsighting is another tradition where communities observe the new moon to determine the start of Ramadan. Throughout this time, we send each other greetings and prayers. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr by dressing in traditional clothes and gathering for special prayers. The evening is filled with cooking, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and enjoying time with family and friends.
How do you balance work and your religious practices during this month?
Balancing work and religious practice during Ramadan can be challenging and it requires careful planning. Communicating my fasting schedule to colleagues fosters a supportive environment. Since sleep can be affected by late-night prayers, I may take some time off when needed. Also, I focus on managing my energy level by eating nutritious foods at suhoor and iftar while staying hydrated. At Amergis, our flexible PTO system, combined with support from my incredible team lead, allows me to fulfill my religious duties alongside my work responsibilities.
What are some ways your colleagues can be supportive and respectful during Ramadan?
My colleagues can support me during Ramadan by understanding its significance. Increased awareness will help them cover my days off and holidays. Recognizing that fasting lowers my energy levels later in the day will also be beneficial. A simple acknowledgment, like saying “Ramadan Mubarak,” demonstrates respect and kindness.
Can you describe any special meals or foods that are significant during Ramadan?
Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, is the most exciting part of the fasting days. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) advised us to begin our iftar with dates as they provide a quick source of energy. Traditional dishes vary by culture, but for me, some special foods include jollof rice with meat or fish, soups, samosas, salads, fresh fruits, oatmeal, and chai tea. Hydrating drinks and nutritious meals help sustain our energy during fasting.
Is there anything you wish more people understood about Ramadan and its significance?
I wish more people understood that Ramadan is not just time for physical fasting but a time for deepening one’s faith, to be kind and generous, to be conscious of our actions and the day of judgement, to practice self-discipline, to increase acts of worship, and to seek for forgiveness. In the Qur’an, Allah mentioned that the reward for worshipping on the night of Laylat al-Qadir (one of the last ten days of Ramadan) is better than a thousand months. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammed S.A.W emphasizes in different hadiths the spiritual significance of Ramadan and the power of prayers and supplications. He also mentioned fasting people will enter a special Ar-Rayan door to enter paradise. Thus, Muslims set good intentions and engage in positive actions, all while hoping for the highest reward from Allah. Since the doors of mercy and forgiveness are wide open in Ramadan, we pray for ourselves, our families, our communities, our countries, and the world for Allah’s mercy, guidance, protection, blessings, and forgiveness. I pray and hope that this Ramadan brings a sense of peace and hope throughout the entire world, Aameen!
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