Ramadan Mubarak from the Faculty of Education
Dr. Farha Shariff (she/her) Senior Advisor, Office of the Dean, Faculty of Education - 21 February 2025
February and March 2025 mark the time of year that many diverse Muslims worldwide cherish the most. We get to decorate our homes, and stock up our pantries with dates, rose water syrups, fruits, and nuts. We also mark our calendars for the sake of Ramadan (Rah-mah-daan), the holy month of fasting. The word Ramadan stems from the Arabic root "ar-ramad” meaning intense scorching heat.
Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, and conclude on the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025, subject to moon sighting. Navroz happens on March 21, marking many transitions and celebrations and the start of Spring!
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, prayers, introspection, charity and unity. A significant time of the year for more than 1 billion Islamic people, it is a time for 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. Fasting from food and water from dawn to dusk is one of the five pillars/tenets of Islam, and its 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 will begin on the evening of February 28, tentatively. This means the first day of fasting for Muslims is on March 1, and the last day will be on March 30 (depending on the sighting of the moon).
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 vigour.
After the last day of Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr takes place, a holiday that Muslims celebrate, depending on the sighting of the moon. This year’s Ramadan will take place right after Reading Week (Feb 28) and will continue during midterm exams and ends (March 30) right before the end of Winter term 2025. Muslim students may experience reduced energy levels and difficulty concentrating due to fasting and interrupted sleep schedules.
Some Muslims worldwide observe Navroz (Nowruz), a festival that marks the beginning of the lunar new year and the first day of spring. Navroz signifies a time of spiritual renewal, physical rejuvenation, a spirit of gratitude for blessings, and an outlook of hope and optimism.
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 when 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 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 (March 30, 31) 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 based on religious beliefs.
Support and advice for staff, instructors, faculty and students from Muslim students and staff:
Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem is a common greeting you can say that means “have a blessed Ramadan.” (Rah-mah-daan Mu-baa-raak/Rah-mah-daan Ka-reem.
Ask what accommodations your colleagues and students need. This might include providing a space to pray, being flexible in scheduling meetings, allowing flexible work hours, or even remote work. Avoid scheduling meetings over lunch or coffee.
Be aware that many Muslims are fasting during this time. Please ask before eating or drinking in front of others. We may choose to excuse ourselves during lunch breaks.
Not all Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan. There are many personal reasons why someone cannot fast. If you are asking someone whether they are fasting, listen to their response and avoid asking questions or judging their reasons for not fasting.
Iftar is the meal that breaks one’s fast and suhoor is the meal one eats to prepare oneself for a day of fasting. Ask your fasting peer if you can drop off a nutritious meal that they can easily heat.
Eid-ul-Fitr (EED-ul-Fitr) is a special holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. Eid starts with a prayer in the morning followed by time spent celebrating with family and friends. Since celebrations can last several days, please consider grace and flexibility for students and colleagues taking time off. Feel free to say Ramadan Mubarak/Ramadan Kareem!
Educate yourself and don’t be afraid to ask your Muslim colleagues, and students about the significance of Ramadan for them. Note that not all of our experiences will be the same.
Avoid talking about weight loss to Muslim friends during Ramadan. It can be triggering to those with a history of disordered eating.
Avoid saying things like, “You’re so strong, I could never do that!” and “Not even water?!”
Wish people a “Ramadan Mubarak,” which roughly translates to “Have a blessed Ramadan,” or say “Ramadan Kareem,” which roughly translates to “Have a generous Ramadan.”
Ask your peers how their Ramadan is going. Reaching out is a good way to show support and respect. While they may be able to manage their workload, checking in with them goes a long way to show them you care.
Educate yourself on Islam and advocate against anti-Muslim hate whenever you can.
Note that Ramadan is about far more than fasting. People of other faiths will often fast in solidarity with Muslims, but that can trivialize the holy Ramadan experience. It is more helpful to participate in the spiritual acts of humility, giving to charity, volunteering and knowledge seeking.
Ask if there is a charity you could donate to or a cause they are passionate about if you want to partake in acts of generosity. Ramadan is also very much about volunteering and caring for those who are less fortunate.
The 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 several student-led organizations such as the Muslim Students’ Association.
If you have questions about accommodating faculty, staff, or students during Ramadan, you can consult with the following offices:
For Students:
For Staff/Faculty: