Your Guide to Ramadan

Ramadan Mubarak to all of our Students and Staff.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar - a month of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and community togetherness. During Ramadan, Muslims mark the revelation of the Qur’an by performing special prayers, reading the Qur’an, and fasting from food and drink during the sunlit hours. These practices facilitate spiritual rejuvenation and cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Ramadan traditionally begins and ends based on the sighting of the new moon. 

In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday 28th February and ends on 30th March.

Learn more

Acknowledging Ramadan

Showing awareness and respect for Ramadan to your Muslim friends, students, and colleagues is likely to be appreciated. Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem are common greetings.

Fasting during Ramadan

While fasting during Ramadan, it is customary to have one meal (known as the suhoor) just before dawn and another (known as the iftar), directly after sunset. 

Fasting along with less sleep can leave many feeling tired and dehydrated. The first three days may be particularly challenging. Muslims do not expect others to stop what they are doing during Ramadan. However, it is considered polite not to drink, smoke, or eat in front of someone who is fasting, including on Microsoft Teams/Zoom conference calls.

Studying and fasting

Students who are fasting may find it hard to concentrate. To ensure effective studying and learning, there are some excellent Ramadan and nutrition guides online. Most research indicates that fatty foods are not great and often leave people feeling tired and lethargic.

Some recommend ‘brain foods’ as part of a healthy balanced diet:

  • Oily fish
  • Eggs
  • Dark leafy greens
  • Nuts
  • Fresh fruit
  • Green tea (avoid high-caffeine drink options).

Don’t forget to rehydrate during the evening.

The University does not give exam exemptions for fasting. If you are feeling unwell for any reason during the assessment period it is best to make contact with your Personal Tutor and the Muslim Chaplain at the earliest opportunity.

Staying Alert

It is best to alter your revision patterns according to your body clock. To help, we advise you to take regular small breaks and revise in groups. In addition to this please remember to prioritise your sleep.

Exemptions from Ramadan

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on your menstrual cycle, or have significant health condition, you are exempt from fasting. If you miss some fasting days, you need to make up the days you miss. In some situations, you can pay for meals for the poor as an act of compensation, even if you make up for it later. Please make sure you get the proper advice from a Muslim advisor.

Iftar

In collaboration with Aston University, the Students' Union, and the MLK Multi-Faith Centre, the Aston Islamic Society provides an Iftar meal for students during Ramadan. Iftar is held downstairs at the Students’ Union at sunset, the Islamic Students' Society will share booking details via social media channels.

Aston Islamic Society Ramadan Timetable

Taraweeh prayer takes place at Students’ Union prayer room.

Advice and support during Ramadan

If you have any concerns about your studies or forthcoming examinations because of any issues you may be facing personally, please contact your Personal Tutor your Programme Director or by contacting us at the Student Solutions Centre, in person (Ground Floor Main Building) or via email at askus@aston.ac.uk

You can also contact the Muslim Chaplain at the MLK Multi-Faith Centre on campus.

Students' Union

The Students’ Union is available to assist students with a range of queries and concerns, please click here for more support. 

Islamic Society

The Islamic Society provides Iftar meals after sunset in the Students’ Union. You can stay up to date with the Society's activities or get in touch with them via their online channels: