Ramadan is a holy month, observed by Muslims all over the world as a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. This year, it’s expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, 17 February or Wednesday, 18 February, depending on the moon sighting.
During Ramadan, many Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours, breaking their fast at sunset with a meal known as ‘Iftar’.
Greetings of ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ or ‘Ramadan Kareem’, meaning blessed or happy Ramadan, are spoken throughout the month.
Ramadan guidance
If you’re observing Ramadan, you may experience additional challenges during this time. We can support you in a number of ways:
- Take a look at student guidance, produced by our Muslim Chaplain and students as part of our Islamic Society.
- Reach out to our Muslim Chaplain, Mohammed Ullah, who is based in the Mcdougall Prayer Hall, the Muslim prayer space at our university. He can help with any concerns you have or offer support.
- Use our interactive map to find prayer and contemplation spaces on campus. There will also be dedicated prayer space in Coupland 1 Room G.25 Thouless for the duration of Ramadan.
“Welcome to the Blessed Month of Ramadan! I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt well wishes to all students observing this sacred time. Ramadan Mubarak to you and your loved ones.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a sacred time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. It nurtures self-discipline, compassion, gratitude, and spiritual renewal, encouraging us to deepen our concern for those in need and for the Muslim to be more God conscious.
Across our campuses, many will be fasting while continuing their academic and professional responsibilities. You may notice adjustments to schedules or prayer breaks; your understanding and kindness during this month are deeply appreciated and reflect our shared values of respect and support.
I pray that this month brings peace, wellbeing, and success to all, and strengthens the spirit of unity and compassion within our university community.”
Message from our Muslim Chaplain, Mohammed Ullah
What Ramadan means to me
Fatima Malik, Lecturer of Optometry in FBMH, reflects on what this holy time means to her, comparing it to a month-long ‘spiritual retreat’ between campus, home, and a few of her favourite local mosques. Read her blog here.
Additional support
If during this celebratory time, you find yourself away from friends and family and in need of support, our university wellbeing resources are available for students. Find out more.