UTS’s culturally diverse community includes many Muslim students and staff who observe Ramadan each year. Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam and is marked by fasting, prayer, reflection and community connection. From sunrise to sunset, observers refrain from eating and drinking, often while maintaining full study, work and family responsibilities.
For many, it is a deeply meaningful time. As one student shared:
Ramadan is the month where you let go of your daily routine and indulge yourself in prayers, good deeds and pure thoughts… and try to be the best person that you can be for the month.
Creating an inclusive learning environment during this period ensures that all students feel supported, respected and able to participate fully in their studies.
Understanding Ramadan and key terms
Ramadan
A holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Students fast from dawn until sunset, and many take additional time for prayer and self‑reflection. As one staff member explained, “Fasting is not just about abstaining from eating and drinking… [but] using the feeling of hunger to be grateful for the bounties we have.”
Iftar
The sunset meal that breaks the fast, often beginning with dates and water before a larger meal. It is typically eaten with family, friends or community.
Eid al‑Fitr
A joyful celebration marking the end of Ramadan, involving prayer, gatherings, gifts, charity and rest. As one student described, “Everyone is dressed in new clothes… all eager to attend Eid prayer and be around their own people… it just feels so good.” Eid al-Fitr goes for 3 days, so be aware that some students may not be able to attend class, submit assignments, or undertake examinations during this time.
Important to note: the Lunar calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, the start of Ramadan and the first day of Eid al-Fitr may be observed on different days (one- or 2-days variation) by different Muslim communities. These dates may change every year, so it’s important to remember that Ramadan may be observed during a different time the following year.
5 teaching, timetabling and learning considerations
Supporting students during Ramadan is often simple, practical, and deeply impactful. Consider the following:
- Avoid scheduling assessments at sunset – sunset is the moment students break their fast; this is an essential religious practice that cannot be delayed
- Offer a short break for iftar during evening classes – a 20–30-minute break allows students to step out to eat, drink water and pray; many will also need time to travel to an appropriate prayer space on the campus
- Provide alternative exam or quiz times – earlier‑day assessments can make participation easier for fasting students whose energy levels may fluctuate
- Make lecture notes and recordings available – iftar or prayer times may overlap with class, so recorded content or clear notes help students stay engaged without penalty
- Be flexible with attendance and deadlines – students may experience changes in sleep, energy, and concentration. Flexibility demonstrates respect and understanding
5 inclusive community‑building practices
Ramadan is also a period of community, warmth and generosity. Teaching staff can help cultivate an inclusive environment through small gestures:
- Acknowledge Ramadan – simple mention in class or on Canvas can signal care and awareness
- Invite students (optionally) to a shared an iftar moment – offering dates or fruit at sunset honours an important cultural practice; non‑fasting students can show respect by participating in conversation and learning
- Encourage culturally appropriate snack‑sharing – outside fasting hours, students may enjoy sharing foods from their backgrounds.
- Avoid mandatory food‑based activities during fasting times
- Encourage open communication – let students know you welcome conversations about their needs; this builds trust and demonstrates respect.
The sense of community is often what students cherish most. As one student described:
A large portion of Ramadan is spent breaking your fast with other people… the feasts, the camaraderie, the eagerness to dig in… are such a warming environment.
After Ramadan: supporting students celebrating Eid al‑Fitr
Eid al‑Fitr often involves early‑morning prayer, family gatherings, charity, and community celebrations. Be prepared to:
- acknowledge the occasion
- make reasonable accommodations for students who may be absent
- provide catch‑up materials if needed.
One staff member joyously described the spirit of Eid:
I find it beautiful, all of us praying amongst one another, regardless of race, age, socio-economic background. There is an increased sense of connectedness to our ummah.
Learn more
Our UTS community is diverse and beautiful. In what feels like an increasingly hostile world, it is our responsibility to acknowledge, honour and celebrate all the things that make us who we are. Community is more important than ever.
For more stories from our UTS community, explore the How I Celebrate: Ramadan & Eid al‑Fitr e‑booklet.
Thank you to the UTS Muslim Society, Dr. Mehal Krayem and Arif Ongu for their guidance and inputs for this article.