How you can support students observing Ramadan

Around the world, the crescent moon marks the start of Ramadan. This year, it is expected to begin in the evening of Feb. 17, with the first day of fasting on Feb. 18. Ramadan ends 29 or 30 days later with the last day predicted to be March 18 — the start and end dates can only be determined the night before.  

For each day of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, meaning they do not eat or drink during those hours. This year, the predawn meal will be around 6 a.m. and breaking the fast will be around 6 p.m. (Day 1) to around 8 p.m. (Day 30). These timings will change every day as sunset and sunrise timings change. Daylight saving time, which starts on March 8, will also take effect during Ramadan. 

Ramadan is a time for Muslims to strengthen their relationship with God, such as through giving charity, reciting the Qur'an, making dua (supplication), and practising good character. It is also an opportunity for Muslims to spend quality time with family, friends, and the community, such as by attending communal iftars (the meal that breaks one’s fast) and Tarawih (communal prayers which take place every night of Ramadan). 

The end of Ramadan is where Eid-al-Fitr takes place (“Eid” means festival in Arabic). Eid is one of two yearly celebrations that Muslims partake in, a holiday celebrated by dressing up in fancy clothes, giving gifts, and eating lots of food. 

For Muslims, “Ramadan instils a stronger sense of God-consciousness — to be more aware of their choices and behavior each day,” says Sheikh Ali Nasser, a faith representative at the University of Calgary’s Faith and Spirituality Centre (FSC). “By refraining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, it builds discipline and teaches the value of patience and self-control. It shows that if we can manage our basic needs during these hours, we can also overcome temptations and harmful desires. This helps Muslims, especially students, stay motivated, focused, and committed in their everyday lives.” 

Amena Katawazi, a biological sciences student and FSC volunteer, calls Ramadan “my favourite time of the year, and I am sure the majority, if not all, Muslims can agree. Ramadan is such a beautiful time because a strong community forms between Muslims all over the world; and non-Muslims, as well. In this community, we bond over remembering God, praying, spiritual growth, and, of course, eating.” 

The holy month of Ramadan is a time of reflection, prayer, and connection with others and is, for many, a positive experience. Some students may feel a sense of isolation due to being away from loved ones or those who are struggling with keeping the balance between religious practices and academic responsibilities. Muslim students may also experience reduced energy levels and difficulty concentrating due to fasting and interrupted sleep schedules. 

“Throughout the month, many students are going to be tired. I think it is important for people to remember that it is genuinely not done out of a place of disrespect," says Amena. “To all the faculty members who may see a student dozing off in class, please be considerate of the fact that we are often waking up around 4 - 5 a.m. and running on no food or water.” 

Recommendations from the Faith and Spirituality Centre

There are many ways in which the UCalgary campus community can support students during this time. Here are some recommendations from the FSC:    

• If students attend class during sunset, let them know they are welcome to break their fast. 
• If an exam is scheduled in the late afternoon or evening, be aware that fasting students may be a bit fatigued or distracted. If a student requests to eat during an exam or requires additional breaks, it would be helpful to support those requests.  
• Understand that students may not know the exact dates of when Ramadan begins and ends in advance, since they vary and need to be confirmed by religious authorities depending on the first sighting of the crescent moon. Therefore, students may request consecutive days for accommodations.    
• Encourage open communication if students require support.  
• Offer flexibility in deadlines, as students may have less energy or time to complete their deadline.
• Inform students about accessibility and inclusion services as students may have difficulties with their assignments and quizzes and may ask to do them earlier in the day.
• Refer students to the FSC for further support. For international students, there are also a wide variety of supports available through International Student Services.
• Ramadan Food Hampers are available from the SU Campus Food Bank by request until March 13.
• If you are planning an event that includes food during Ramadan, consider providing takeout boxes so observing students can save their meals to eat when they break their fast.       

Support for international students

International students who are observing Ramadan without in-person family support may experience additional strain. There are many online options for students to connect and celebrate, including a number of student-led organizations.  

Students can connect through UCalgary Students’ Union associations, such as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Association (AMSA), the Calgary Ismaili Students’ Association, the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA), and the Women's Ahmadiyya Muslim Students' Association (WAMSA), or through off-campus communities, like the Calgary chapter of the Muslim Association of Canada.      

Advice from members of our local Muslim community    

In addition to the recommendations above, the FSC and members of UCalgary’s Muslim Students Association collected suggestions from Muslims on campus about how the campus community can better support students observing Ramadan.   

For more information and to learn how you can support students during religious observance, please contact the FSC.