NHS staff told converting to Islam is 'best decision' as they're urged to fast for Ramadan

NHS staff have been told that converting to Islam would be the "best decision you'll ever make" in a guide made by the organisation's Muslim Network. Its handbook for "New Muslims" also reassures readers who are concerned that family members and friends "initially [do] not have a positive reaction". It was written by and handed out to staff, according to , and addresses the reader as "convert". The guide adds that it is composed "with the intention of pleasing God by providing support to converts to Islam, their peers and colleagues".

It adds: "For many converts, becoming Muslim isn't always a celebration, as many friends and relatives need some time to accept the good news." It has also been revealed that NHS staff were urged to fast for Ramadan in order to "understand and experience how Muslims feel". The network, which received at least £2,655 in public money in 2022/23, is believed to have been hiring for staff since January 2025, and says its vision is "inspiring, celebrating and championing the contribution of the NHS Muslim community".

It also aims to increase "awareness about Islam/Muslims within the NHS" and challenge Islamophobia.

NHS England said: "Senior NHS England managers regularly engage with staff across the entire NHS workforce to hear and understand their experiences of working in the NHS, in order to provide better care for patients.

"We are a diverse country and that is reflected in the NHS workforce - it's vital that we make sure all our staff feel included so we can recruit and retain an NHS workforce that is as productive as possible."

Selina Ullah, Chair of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust, added: "It is important that we support and celebrate the contribution of NHS Muslim colleagues.

"If all our staff feel included, we can provide patients with the best quality care."

The NHS Muslim Network is reportedly under new leadership, which claims it was not aware of the guidance.

It added that it is reviewing its guidance and developing a new strategy to support Muslim colleagues across the NHS.

NHS England said regarding to Ramadan challenge: "It is obviously entirely reasonable for NHS staff to take part in Ramadan if they would like to - including as a way to recognise the tens of thousands of Muslims working in the health service."