Advice and guidance for students and teachers who may be fasting during, or outside, the month of Ramadan. This guide has been developed by Discover Islam and regional councils of mosques.
2. OVERVIEW WHY
FAST?
What is Ramadan?
What should we know about it as
students or teachers?
DAY IN
THE LIFE
STUDENTS
INSIGHT
TEACHERS
GUIDE
3. What is Ramadan?
9th month of the Islamic calendar
ONE month
of
daily fasting
from Dawn to Sunset
3am 9pm
Ramadan begins and ends
based on moon sighting.
The lunar calendar is 10
days shorter than our
normal year, hence it
changes every year. 3
Every healthy Muslim should fast except those who are:
- traveling long distances
- pregnant women or those in menstruation
- elderly or minor (under the age of
puberty) although they may
participate if they would like to.
4. 4
Fasting from
Food Water Intimate relations
Arguments Swearing
= Clears the mind
and brings focus
What is fasting?
Recommended throughout time, hence fasting exists in many faith communities
6. 6
A guide
for life from the
One who
knows us best
What’s the Qur’an?
Revealed in
Ramadan to the final
Messenger, Prophet
Muhammad
7. 7
The results will be presented on the Day of Judgement
What’s our purpose?
This life is a test to see who opts to live a good life,
according to the supplied guidance
9. 9
A typical schoolday
3:00 Wake | Wash | Eat meal before dawn | Pray | Sleep
8:00 Prepare for school
13:30 Afternoon prayer during the lunch break
16:00 Return home from school
16:00 Go to mosque to read the Qur’an | Late
afternoon prayer | Refresh with a nap
21:00 Break fast with an evening meal normally with the family
Pray the evening prayer
22:45 Optional night prayer at mosque praying up to 30 units of
prayer until about 23:45
10. 10
Ramadan and exam times
The month of Ramadan coincides with
academic exams and tests from 2018-2020.
Also, Eid in 2021 will fall in KS2 test week.
Statutory tests in primary schools also
coincide with Ramadan in the UK.
11. 11
Top tips while fasting
Avoid strenuous
physical activities
especially if the
weather is warm.
Sleep well
Drink lots of
water before and
after the fast
Eat balanced
meals before
and after the
fast
12. 12
Succeed in your learning & exams
Your revision routine may change in Ramadan to factor in enough revision and rest time.
Check your exams dates and times. Then set alarms in advance to get into the routine of waking in time.
If you find your mind wandering or you’re feeling sleepy, you could try getting some fresh air.
You might feel like you’re missing out on the spiritual benefits of Ramadan because you don’t have
time for extra prayers, Quran recitation or charitable work. Educating yourself is also an important
part of Islam and this is the best time to pray and ask Allah for help in your studies.
Revise with good intentions: to increase your knowledge and to make your teachers and loved ones
proud of you. And remember that sometimes small gestures are most valuable. Is there any better
charity than helping out your friends and classmates during this stressful time?
13. 13
Dua (prayer) to help with learning
ِينَتْمَّلَع َاِمب ِينْعَفْنا َّمُهَّلال
ًامْلِع ِينْدِز َو ِينُعَفْنَي َام ِينْمِّلَع َو
Translation of the meaning: “O Allah, benefit me with what You
have taught me, and teach me that which benefits me, and
increase me in knowledge.”
- Recorded in the collection of Sahih Ibn Majah 1/47
Transliteration: Allaahum-manfa’nee bimaa ‘allamtanee
wa ‘allimnee maa yanfa’unee wa zidnee ‘ilmaa
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
taught us this short dua to help with learning
16. 16
How some schools are making accessible arrangements
Provide students with
a supervised, quiet
space to rest over the
lunch period.
Those on free school
meals are still entitled
to a meal. Schools
should consider
putting a bag together
for students to take
home.
Educational leaders
may consider the
possible impact fasting
and late night prayers
during Ramadan may
have when setting
dates for other
activities, such as
sports days, trips and
celebrations.
Schools may wish to
plan alternative, less
strenuous activities
during PE or grant
exemptions for some
fasting pupil if
appropriate.
Any students not
fasting for health
reasons, particularly
girls on their period,
should be provided
with a space or area to
eat where they feel
comfortable.
17. 17
The morning Eid prayer
• The end of Ramadan is marked by
the Eid ul-Fitr celebration.
• The moon sighting marking the end
of the month may land on a school
exam day.
• In order to facilitate the morning Eid
prayer, some schools are arranging a
prayer on-site so students can make
their exams without missing the
prayer.
