Spirituality and faith traditions can be an important aspect of the human identity and experience. UHart supports and celebrates the many spiritual and faith traditions of our students, faculty, and staff. In keeping with our commitment to inclusion and belonging, we are sharing information on Ramadan.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the most sacred times in the Islamic tradition. It holds significant religious and cultural meaning for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.
During Ramadan, Muslim students, faculty, and staff at UHart will observe a strict fast by abstaining from any food and drink (including water) from dawn to sunset every day. They will awake before dawn for a pre-dawn meal called ‘Suhur’ (a meal taken before the fast begins) and break their fast just after sunset with a meal called ‘Iftar’ (or breaking-of-the-fast meal). Iftar traditionally begins with dates and water, followed by a festive meal. Many choose to participate in communal voluntary prayers called Taraweeh afterwards. Taraweeh are long prayers performed communally at home or mosque and take place about an hour after Iftar.
Fasting is a private act of worship bringing about nearness to God, as well as a form of spiritual discipline and a means to empathize with those less fortunate. It is also a time for community, family spirit, and providing support. Muslims come from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. As a result, different countries will celebrate the month of Ramadan by incorporating their own cultural practices. In the end, all Muslims celebrate the closing of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, translated as a celebration of breaking of the fast.
This year, they will fast from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., starting on Sunday, March 11, and ending at sunset of Tuesday, April 9. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and its obligatory fast. This year, Eid al-Fitr falls on Wednesday, April 10. On this day, Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan. On Eid day, friends and families gather for a communal prayer at the mosque, followed by celebrations that consists of festive meals and the exchange of gifts. Special gifts are also given to the poor on this day and during the last days of Ramadan.
The actual beginning date each year is contingent on the sighting of the moon of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Because Ramadan is scheduled on the lunar calendar, its dates move forward about 10 days every year relative to the solar calendar, making a full cycle every 33 years. While it has been in the summer for many years, it now will take place during the academic year until approximately 2040.
Ramadan begins on the night of Sunday, March 10, with voluntary communal prayers, and ends at sunset on Tuesday, April 9. Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Wednesday April 10. During this time Muslims try to follow a normal study or work routine as much as they possibly can, but have responsibilities for devotion to extra prayers and readings to their daily religious commitments.
To Encourage Inclusivity Please Consider the Following Practical Points:
As students, faculty and staff, we can best support those who are observing Ramadan by showing empathy, respect, and understanding for their religious beliefs and practices as they manage their Ramadan commitments.
Flexibility: Students and staff may request flexibility around their study, exam, presentation, or assignment deadlines, research or working arrangements. There will also be leave requests, so members of staff/students can observe Ramadan or celebrate Eid at home. Not all Muslims will observe both prayer and the fast. It is not uncommon for some to fast but not pray. The prayer room is located in GSU 134.
Breaks: Excused absence or breaks while observing Ramadan, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to allow time for prayers during the day (there may be up to two prayers that may impact upon the timings of a working or studying day), fast-breaking (food and water), rest, evening prayers and reflection.
Appropriate greetings: Some thoughtful ways to create space for students and colleagues. Saying the wrong things may land as microaggressions. Acknowledge the month by the following greeting “Ramadan Mubarak” (which means “have a blessed Ramadan”) or Ramadan Kareem (which means “have a generous Ramadan). Refrain from saying things like: don’t you get hungry, I can’t understand how you do it, that can’t be healthy for you. Instead, say things like: I wish you a blessed and happy Ramadan or have a peaceful and happy Ramadan.
Being respectful of your students and colleagues, during Ramadan: Support individuals who may display physical symptoms of fatigue and or exhaustion. Students, faculty and staff, please contact your professors, dean/manager to arrange accommodations as needed. Do not force individuals to share their faith in class or disclose if they observe Ramadan.
Supporting members of our Muslim community during Ramadan is important. Being aware of your own cultural assumptions and biases and trying to create an environment that is welcoming and respectful of all cultures and backgrounds, helps in the building of a more inclusive campus community
Ramadan Mubarak!