Ramadan – A Primer

Ramadan holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide, and fasting — while deeply meaningful — can also present physical and cognitive challenges, particularly for students balancing their academic responsibilities. 

With this in mind, the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life would like to encourage faculty members to be mindful of the unique experiences of students who are fasting and to consider offering flexibility where possible. This could include:

• Being open to adjusting exam times, assignments, or deadlines when feasible.
• Being aware that students may have lower energy levels in the afternoons.
• Allowing students to step out briefly for prayer if needed.
• Creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing any accommodations they might need.

In addition, for many of our students, observing Ramadan in a predominantly non-Muslim environment can sometimes feel isolating. Your care, awareness, and small gestures of support can make a meaningful difference.

Lastly, I would like to share a few additional ways to foster a supportive environment during Ramadan:

1. Consider time and space for prayer when scheduling important events.
   Students wake up early for a pre-dawn meal and prayer, and they break their fast at sunset. Scheduling key events earlier in the day is helpful. If you plan an evening event, being mindful of sunset time can allow fasting students to participate fully after breaking their fast.
2. Rethink food-centered events.
   Since students fast from food and drink during the day, if you host an event with food, consider providing takeaway options so fasting students can enjoy the meal later. Alternatively, events that involve food could be scheduled after sunset to allow full participation.
3. No need to apologize for eating or drinking.
   Students who are fasting do not expect others to change their routines. Fasting is a personal spiritual practice rooted in self-discipline, so there’s no need to feel awkward about eating or drinking around fasting students.
4. Honor fasting as a spiritual practice, not a hardship.
   Fasting during Ramadan is seen as a path to spiritual growth, not as suffering. Many students look forward to this month with great joy. Expressing respect for this spiritual commitment, rather than sympathy for its difficulty, helps uphold the significance of the fast.
5. Use Ramadan as an opportunity to learn.
   Ramadan can also be a meaningful learning opportunity for the broader campus community. Asking respectful questions and encouraging interfaith learning fosters mutual understanding and respect.
6. Be mindful of physical energy levels.
   Especially in the afternoons, fasting students may experience lower energy. If you teach a physically active class or supervise athletic programs, this is helpful to keep in mind.
7. Respect students’ privacy.
   Some students may observe Ramadan quietly, without public mention. Creating inclusive policies that do not require students to disclose their religious practices helps foster a sense of belonging for all.
8. Be attentive to emotional well-being.
   Ramadan is a time of gathering with family and friends, so students who are far from home may feel particularly homesick or isolated. Your care and kindness can offer important support.
9. Avoid asking why someone isn’t fasting.
   Not all Muslims fast every day of Ramadan due to health, travel, or other personal reasons. These are private matters, and students should not feel pressure to explain their choices.
10. Uphold respect for this sacred time.
    Ramadan is a centuries-old tradition, cherished by Muslims around the world. Treating it — and the students observing it — with dignity and respect reflects our shared commitment to fostering an inclusive campus community.

Finally, at the conclusion of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday traditionally spent with family and friends. Whenever possible, we encourage supporting students who wish to observe this special occasion by offering flexibility around their academic and campus obligations.

Thank you very much for your kindness, understanding, and support in making our campus a welcoming space for all.