Understanding Ramadan: A Guide to Supporting Muslim Students

By: Syeda Sumbal Arif and Fatma Ibrahim

Ramadan is here, and for Muslim students, this month is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. As schools and educators work to create inclusive learning environments, understanding the significance of Ramadan can help support students in meaningful ways.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a deeply significant period in the lives of Muslims.

During this month, Muslims focus on spiritual growth, self-discipline, and compassion. They aim to improve their behavior, refraining from anger, bad language, lying, and physical aggression. Many Muslims believe these actions invalidate their fast and make it unacceptable to God. At the same time, they strive to increase acts of kindness, honesty, and generosity, as good deeds are believed to be highly rewarded during Ramadan.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, meaning its dates vary each year. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on March 1 and end on March 29. The celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, is expected on March 30, 2025. These dates may vary slightly depending on moon sighting.

Fasting During Ramadan

A key part of Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset, during which Muslims abstain from food, drink (including water), and other physical needs.

  • Who Fasts? While fasting is mandatory for adults, children gradually begin fasting as a form of training. Many start around age 10, but some may try earlier with shorter fasts.
  • Exceptions to Fasting: If a person is unwell, pregnant, elderly, or menstruating, they are not required to fast. Health and well-being are always a priority.

Fasting can present some challenges for students, especially regarding energy levels and hydration. Schools can support students by understanding their needs and making small accommodations.

Challenges and Accommodations for Students

Muslim students observing Ramadan may experience:

1. Fatigue and Disrupted Sleep Schedules

Families wake up early for a pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) and stay up late for prayers, which can disrupt sleep patterns. This may lead to students feeling tired or less engaged, especially in the afternoons.

How Schools Can Help:

✔ Be understanding if students appear tired or less active.
✔ Allow for short breaks or alternative quiet activities during physically demanding tasks.

2. Lunchtime Accommodations

Since fasting students cannot eat or drink, lunchtime can be an awkward period. Some may prefer to be in a quiet space away from the cafeteria.

How Schools Can Help:

✔ Offer an alternative space for fasting students to rest, read, or engage in quiet activities.
✔ Avoid offering food or drinks to fasting students out of politeness.

3. Physical Activity Considerations

Fasting can impact students’ energy levels, making some physical activities difficult.

How Schools Can Help:

✔ Adjust physical education (P.E.) activities when needed.
✔ Allow students to take breaks or engage in less strenuous exercises.

4. Respecting Religious Beliefs

Many Muslims also believe in avoiding music during Ramadan. Some students may request an alternative to music-related activities.

How Schools Can Help:

✔ Offer alternative activities when possible.
✔ If music activities are mandatory, discuss options with the student or their family.

If you have questions about accommodations for Muslim students during Ramadan, feel free to contact their families directly or reach out to a Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) caseworker for support.

Prayer During Ramadan

Muslims pray five times a day, including the afternoon prayer (Zuhr), which typically falls between 1:15 PM and 3:30 PM. Some students may request time and space to perform this prayer at school.

Key Points About Prayer During Ramadan:

  • Before praying, Muslims perform ablutions (wudu), which involves washing their hands, face, arms, and feet.
  • Prayer is performed facing the southwest direction (toward Mecca).
  • Traditionally, boys pray at the front and girls pray at the back in a group setting.
  • Girls do not pray or fast during their menstrual cycle, which is a natural and accepted part of Ramadan.

If students request a prayer space, it is helpful to offer a quiet and private area where they can pray without disruption.

How Muslims Celebrate Ramadan Around the World

Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan with community, prayer, and charity.

  • Breaking the Fast (Iftar): Families and friends gather for Iftar, the meal to break the fast at sunset. It is traditional to start with dates and water before eating a full meal.
  • Taraweeh Prayers: These are special night prayers performed at mosques during Ramadan.
  • Acts of Charity: Helping the less fortunate is highly encouraged during Ramadan. Many Muslims donate food, money, or volunteer to help those in need.

Ramadan in Canada

Muslim communities in Canada maintain these traditions, organizing:
✔ Community Iftars at mosques, schools, and cultural centers.
✔ Food drives and volunteer initiatives to support those in need.
✔ Welcoming non-Muslims to experience Iftar and learn about Ramadan.

In Regina, local mosques welcome visitors who want to experience an Iftar meal and learn more about Ramadan traditions.

Eid al-Fitr: The Celebration of Breaking the Fast

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, expected on March 30, 2025. This is one of the most joyous celebrations in Islam.

How Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr:

  • Attending a special Eid prayer in the morning.
  • Wearing new clothes and visiting family and friends.
  • Enjoying festive meals and giving charity to those in need.

Since Eid prayers are obligatory, many Muslim students will be absent from school on this day.

Common Ramadan and Eid Greetings

Want to acknowledge Ramadan and Eid in a meaningful way? Here are some simple greetings:

✔ “Ramadan Mubarak” – Wishing someone a blessed Ramadan.
✔ “Eid Mubarak” – Wishing someone a happy Eid celebration.

By understanding Ramadan and making small accommodations, we can create an inclusive environment where Muslim students feel respected and supported.

For more information or assistance, please contact Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS):
📧 Email: sswis@rods.sk.ca
📞 Phone: 306-352-3500