Ramadan Mubarak from the Faculty of Education
Dr. Farha Shariff, EDI Advisor to the Office of the Dean of Education - 29 March 2023
The third week of March marks many transitions and celebrations; the start of Spring. Some Muslims (Muss-lims) worldwide observe Navroz (Nowruz), a festival that marks the beginning of a new year and the first day of spring. Navroz signifies a time of spiritual renewal and physical rejuvenation, as well as a spirit of gratitude for blessings and an outlook of hope and optimism.
It is also a time of year that many Muslims cherish the most. We get to decorate our homes, stock up our pantries with dates, rose water syrup, fruit and nuts. We also mark our calendars all for the sake of Ramadan (Rah-mah-daan), the holy month of fasting. Ramadan commemorates the creation of the Quran- Islam’s holy book. For Muslims all over the world, it marks the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, prayers, introspection, charity and unity. A significant time of the year for over 1 billion Islamic people, a time for self-introspection and spirituality. Ramadan is observed once a year and occurs during the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. It is a month-long spiritual journey that consists of fasting, prayer, and community connections. While fasting from food and water from dawn to dusk is one of the five pillars/tenets of Islam, the purpose is to reinforce spirituality, discipline, compassion, and patience.
Around the world, the sighting of the crescent moon marks the start of Ramadan, and this year, it is said to have begun on the evening of March 22. This means the first day of fasting for Muslims was on March 23, and the last day will be on April 20, including the first half of the University of Alberta’s final exam period.
FUN FACT- The word "Ramadan" stems from the Arabic root "ar-ramad” meaning intense scorching heat.
For each day of Ramadan, some Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, meaning we do not eat or drink during those hours. It is a way for us to experience the suffering of, and develop greater empathy toward, those who do not have access to food or water.
For Muslims, Ramadan is about rejuvenating faith and revitalizing one's thoughts, a time for us to strengthen our relationship with God through the following:
- offering Prayers
- some Muslims observe fasting (some observe from sunrise to sunset)
- engaging in self-reflection, volunteering and charity.
People with faith in Islam practice these activities during Ramadan with full faith and vigor.
After the last day of Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr takes place, a holiday which Muslims celebrate. Since this year’s Ramadan will take place during the final weeks of the academic term, as well as the first half of the University of Alberta’s exam period (April 15 to 20). Muslim students may experience reduced energy levels and difficulty concentrating due to fasting and interrupted sleep schedules.
There are many ways in which our campus community can support students during this time. To continue our commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning and working environment, a flexible approach for students and staff who are observing Ramadan is essential.
As per the Office of the Provost, please refer to the considerations below in accommodating students, staff, and faculty during this time.
Considerations:
- There are differences in how Ramadan is observed by Muslims and as such, it is best to not make assumptions about anyone’s personal practice during this time.
- Meeting the needs of faculty, staff, and students who are observing Ramadan can be approached in an open, informal, inclusive, and equitable manner.
- Students who are required to write exams during sunset may need time to be excused to break their fast and observe prayer.
- Faculty, staff, and students who are fasting may request accommodations during this month.
- Faculty, staff, and students may request time off for Eid to observe prayer and spend the day with family.
Under the University of Alberta’s Duty to Accommodate Procedure and the Alberta Human Rights Act the university has an institutional obligation to reasonably accommodate students, staff, and faculty on the basis of religious beliefs.
If you have questions about accommodating faculty, staff, or students during Ramadan, you can consult with the following offices:
For Students:
For Staff/Faculty: