Kingston students shared their experiences with the Kingston Courier.
The end of February marked the start of Ramadan for millions of people worldwide.
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is a time of spiritual reflection, where fasting and prayers alternate from dawn to sunset.
Many Muslim students have to navigate the challenges that Ramadan might present during a busy academic period. The Kingston Courier talked to three about their experiences.
“You can’t even drink during the fast, but you can eat food that keeps you full,” said Tayyab Hasan, a 25-year-old MSc student in User Experience Design, as he explained how to keep energy levels stable during the day.
Muslims are required to pray five times a day, which includes Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha.
The fast starts before Fajr, after Suhoor (the early morning meal) and ends on Maghrib, followed by Iftar (first meal after fasting).
Fitness and energy
For those who go to the gym, changing their fitness schedule is a necessity. Hasan and Arfin Shaikh, a 23-year-old MSc student in Pharmaceutical Science with Management Studies, prefer to workout before Iftar. They highlighted the struggles of maintaining energy levels.
“Since there’s limited calorie and fluid intake, managing my workouts is tough,” Shaikh said.
Meanwhile, Zuhair Mirza Baig, also 23 and in the same course, also trains after Iftar, the first meal after fasting.
“This allows me to rehydrate and have a light meal before exercising, which helps maintain my energy.”
While it is hard to balance fasting and exercise, Shaikh suggested a few things that helps.
“I take my multivitamins before Suhoor and drink a lot of water during non-fasting hours. I also try to avoid sugary drinks and fried food,” she said.
Productivity and academia
The effect on energy levels necessitates changes studying routines.
“I used to study at night before but during Ramadan, I don’t because I need to get enough sleep to wake up early for Suhoor,” said Shaikh. “I use night-time for religious study and prayer instead.”
However, as the hours go by, staying focused becomes harder. Shaikh told the Kingston Courier how she prefers shifting her study sessions to the evening.
“My concentration and productivity are high in the morning but drop as the day progresses. I am most productive after Iftar when I regain energy,” she said.
Mirza Baig highlighted the importance of communicating with professors.
“Some professors are understanding, others might not make official changes, so I make sure to communicate in advance,” he said.
Social life and mental well-being
“Ramadan is the purest month of the year because the Quran was revealed in it, so it’s necessary to engage with it rather than social activities,” said Hasan when asked how he balances spirituality and social life.
Shaikh, who shifts her social time to after Iftar said: “I plan gatherings in the evening so I can spend time with friends while breaking my fast.”
For non-Muslim students, understanding is key.
“I make sure my friends know I’m fasting so they understand why I might skip lunch outings or coffee runs,” said Mirza Baig.
Both Hasan and Shaikh claimed fasting brings a sense of calm.
“Fasting improves my mental well-being. I don’t get fatigued or stressed, I feel calmer and more productive,” said Hasan.
On the other hand, Mirza Baig gave his tips for managing stress while fasting.
“Ramadan gives me a sense of purpose, but adjusting sleep and meal times can be stressful. Short walks and quiet moments help me manage stress.”
The Kingston Courier asked about what support systems are in place for them.
“My support system is my connection with my Lord. It gives me energy, I stay relaxed, and I can rely upon it,” said Hasan.
Shaikh said: “My friends at university and in my accommodation are very understanding and plan activities around or after Iftar.”
Mirza Baig uses university societies to retain a sense of community.
“The Muslim Students’ Association hosts communal Iftars, group prayer sessions, and study groups around fasting hours, so I don’t feel isolated,” he said.
Among students, Ramadan comes with a bit of humour. Hasan laughed while recalling how his friends like to tease him during the fast.
“It’s something friends do in a funny way, just to make me crave it more. I take it as a joke,” he said.
One of the key takeaways of Ramadan, according to Hasan, is that it makes you think deeper about everyday actions.
“I pay more attention to myself. If I accidentally say a bad word, I immediately ask for forgiveness, which I don’t always do in other months,” he added.
Ramadan is more than just fasting; it is about discipline, reflection and personal growth, with a small percentage of friendly jokes.
