How to study during Ramadan

6 March 2024By Amelia. A, Staff writer at Unite Students
Ramadan greeting card

Ramadan is one of the holiest times in the Muslim calendar, with over two billion people around the world observing the month. In this guide, we look at ways of overcoming the challenges of fasting during Ramadan with some helpful tips.

Although many Muslims experience higher levels of energy and greater mental clarity during fasting, it can take time to get there. Our guide will help you plan how to study during Ramadan by taking advantage of the times of day when you are at your best. Read on to find out how you can manage your fasting during Ramadan.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. It is one of the holiest months of the year for followers of Islam. The lunar calendar is shorter than the solar year, so the dates of Ramadan move 10 or 11 days earlier every year. During this month, Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours.

The purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to practise compassion, gratitude and self-control. Depending on the dates Ramadan falls on, fasting could last anywhere from 11 to 16 hours every day, for 29 or 30 days.

Some Muslims are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, including:

  • People who fasting could pose a health risk, such as the very young or very old

  • People with health conditions

  • People who are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • People who menstruate, although they might want to make up the fast days once this ends

Other practicing Muslims don‘t eat or drink from pre-dawn until sunset every day of Ramadan. But fasting is meant to complement your life rather than be a hindrance. As a student, if you think fasting could negatively impact your studies, such as if it falls at exam time, you could consider donating to a charity, or making up your fast days at a later date.

Copy of The Quran on book stand

How can Ramadan affect students?

Fasting during daylight hours could make studying more difficult. You might also find that whilst fasting, your energy levels are lower, which can affect your mental clarity. Your fasting schedule may also impact things like exams and study hours.

Many universities have measures in place to help Muslim students during Ramadan, such as additional study resources or the option to reschedule certain tests or exams. Student Support & Wellbeing is usually a good first point of call if you‘re looking for help with how to study during Ramadan.

Ramadan tips for students

Here are some Ramadan study tips we‘ve put together for students.

Plan your study time

It‘s not just your eating habits that change during Ramadan – your sleep schedule will also be affected. This is expected as you plan your day around iftar and suhoor, the two main meals you eat each day after sunset and before dawn.

Suhoor opens the fast before sunrise, while iftar breaks the fast after sunset. This also means, during Ramadan, you may need a revised study schedule. You might want to include time for naps during the day to make up for lost sleep.

Drawing up a Ramadan study schedule in advance can help you keep up with your studies without overwhelming yourself. Your plan should be tailored to you and focus your studies during the times of day you feel most energised and mentally clear. Of course, this is different for everyone.

You may find you are at your best right after suhoor, or you may need more sleep before hitting the books. Be realistic about your energy levels and factor in time for sleep and other, non-food-based rewards.

Take frequent breaks

They say a change is as good as a rest, and this may well be true when studying during Ramadan. Make sure your study schedule includes frequent breaks to refresh and reward yourself.

You might also want to consider changing study locations – moving around can give you a new perspective. Plus, spending time in the library or study groups with friends means you‘re not stuck in your room all day.

Ornamental Arabic lantern

Let your housemates know you‘re observing Ramadan

If you‘re living in halls or a shared house, there are also housemates to factor in. Explain to them in advance that you‘ll be fasting and why.

This can help make sure there aren‘t any extra demands placed on you during the month. If you do any joint food shopping, kitchen cleaning or meal cooking, they will understand why you‘re taking a step back.

Make sure you get enough sleep

Probably the most important part. Getting enough sleep is essential if you want to be at your best. During Ramadan, you’ll likely cut down your sleep at night to factor in suhoor and iftar.

This could mean you need time to catch up on any lost hours during the day. You‘ll know what works best for you and when tiredness is most likely to hit. So, factor a nap or two into your daily Ramadan study schedule where possible.

Eat plenty of nutritious food

Going for hours without food or water means that, when you do eat, you need to make sure you‘re eating the right foods. Your two meals need to keep you going throughout fasting hours. It can be tempting to give into junk food cravings after fasting during the day, but this won‘t help you in the long run.

Try to eat a variety of nutritious foods at sunset and before dawn, and include plenty of proteins like meat, eggs and yoghurt. This will keep your energy level up and help with mental clarity throughout the day.

Hydrate

I know we said sleep was the most important, but this one is too. Hydration is another vital aspect of staying healthy during Ramadan. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids between sundown and sunrise to prepare your mind and body for the coming day.

Drinking lots of water is important, but you can also up your hydration levels with things like juices and soups, alongside fresh fruit and vegetables. Caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee might perk you up, but they can make you more dehydrated, so try to keep these to a minimum.

Dishes of food on table

Be part of the community

Having a supportive community around you can make fasting feel more manageable. Seek out your fellow Muslim students during Ramadan for support.

You could join the Muslim Society if your university has one, or spend more time attending a Mosque prior to Ramadan. You could even start a study group with fellow Muslims so you can work around your Ramadan study schedules together.

Find out if your university offers Ramadan support

Many universities offer support for Muslim students observing Ramadan and other holy days. These will vary depending on your uni, but could include:

  • Alternative arrangements for exams or assessments

  • Access to Islamic prayer areas on campus

  • Support programmes and activities

  • Additional resources and extra Ramadan tips for students

  • Hot iftar and/or suhoor meals provided on campus

  • Information about where to access additional help, such as the local Mosque

Author photo of Amelia Adams
By Amelia. AStaff writer at Unite Students