Ramadan

University of Birmingham students in Dubai explain what Ramadan means to them
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and its start date is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Also known as the month of the Qur'an, Muslims believe it is the month when the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is a holy month of reflection and fasting and Muslims are encouraged to increase their good deeds in Ramadan. The Iftar is the meal served when the fast ends at sunset during each day of Ramadan. The end of Ramadan is marked by the important festival of Eid Al-Fitr when many Muslims in non-Muslim countries may take the day off work to join in the celebrations.

About 14% of our student population is Muslim. Although observance may differ between individuals, nearly 5,000 Birmingham students will abstain from eating and drinking between the hours of sunrise and sunset during Ramadan. Alongside their academic duties, students typically have commitments to extra prayers and readings in addition to their usual religious practice.

 What is Ramadan? ISoc student Haroon explains 

Top tips for Muslim students during Ramadan

  • Drink plenty of juices or water between iftar and suhoor to keep your body hydrated throughout the day. Severe dehydration can lead to passing out.
  • Be disciplined about sleeping habits and intake of nutritious foods during iftar. You have a responsibility to fulfil your religious, academic, placement, or other commitments.
  • Individuals who are unwell, travelling, menstruating, pregnant, breastfeeding, or in young/old age are exempt from fasting.
  • The University’s Muslim chaplains can be consulted to discuss your thoughts and approach to Ramadan and fasting.
  • A Ramadan Health Guide from Communities in Action provides information on healthy fasting.
  • The University’s Code of Practice on Accommodating Students’ Religious Observance provides guidelines to support students who are managing their Ramadan commitments. You may find further information at the bottom of this page.
  • Students can connect with the Muslim community through UOBISOC.

Watch the top ten tips video

Faith spaces on campus

Location

Building

Zone

Room

Access

Ablution (wudu) facility

St Francis Hall – Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

O2

Orange

Worship Room

All students and staff.

From 9am – 10pm (Monday to Friday)

Provided on site

St Francis Hall – Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

O2

Orange

Cadbury Room

All students and staff.

From 9am – 10pm (Monday to Friday)

Provided on site

St Francis Hall – Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

O2

Orange

Oasis Lounge

All students and staff.

From 9am – 10pm (Monday to Friday)

Provided on site

The Guild

O1

Orange

 

All

Provided on site

Medical School

B1

Blue

CLG39, CLG39A, CLG39B

MDS staff and students

Provided on site

Westmere House

G1

Green

203

PGT & PGR

Not provided on site. Users of this location will have to use the facilities available in the Guild, Chaplaincy or Medical School or come ablution ready.

Chemical Engineering

Y11

Yellow

122

Chem Eng Staff and Students

Not provided on site. Users of this location will have to use the facilities available in the Guild, Chaplaincy or Medical School or come ablution ready.

New Dental Hospital

 

Blue

3-STW-04

Restricted access

 

University Centre 

R23

Red

F22

Restricted access - door code: C2358Z

Not provided on site. Users of this location will have to use the facilities available in the Guild, Chaplaincy or Medical School or come ablution ready.

University House

O3

Orange

G41

Female students and staff only.

From 8am – 8pm (Monday to Friday)

Not provided on site. Users of this location will have to use the facilities available in the Guild, Chaplaincy or Medical School or come ablution ready.

Biosciences Contemplation 

R27

Red

NG12

All students and staff.

Not provided on site. Users of this location will have to use the facilities available in the Guild, Chaplaincy or Medical School or come ablution ready.

School of Education

R19

Red

M07

All students and staff.

From 8am – 8pm (Monday to Friday)

Not provided on site. Users of this location will have to use the facilities available in the Guild, Chaplaincy or Medical School or come ablution ready.

Gisbert Kapp

G8

Green

NG09D

All students and staff. Not provided on site. Users of this location will have to use the facilities available in the Guild, Chaplaincy or Medical School or come ablution ready.

 

View campus map

How can I be supportive of Muslim students during Ramadan?

It is important to recognise that fasting and reduction of sleeping hours can leave individuals feeling more tired than normal, especially towards the end of the day. Circumstances for different individuals may vary, so it would be beneficial to have an earlier dialogue to discuss possible inclusive arrangements.

Considerations over meeting schedules during this period can support Muslim students in balancing their prayer patterns. The arrangement of a nearby quiet and private space to pray where possible is often much appreciated as many Muslims increase their worship during Ramadan.

Leave requests are also likely to be made to enable students to celebrate Eid with their families at the end of Ramadan. Staff are encouraged to demonstrate flexibility and understanding in line with the University’s Code of Practice on Accommodating Students’ Religious Observance to support students who are managing their Ramadan commitments. You may find further information at the bottom of this page.

What is the cultural etiquette during Ramadan as a non-Muslim in Muslim countries and the UK?

Ramadan traditions, rules, and cultural etiquette could be different country by country. It is important to familiarise yourself with local expectations when you are abroad on university activities. Muslims always say or write 'Peace be upon him' after the Prophet Muhammad's name, you can shorten it to (pbuh). Muslim countries, including Dubai, normally have designated screened-off areas for non-Muslims to eat and drink during the daytime. There would also be expectations concerning dressing etiquette and other social activities.

In the UK, you should carry on business as usual as a non-Muslim. You do not have to fast even if your best friends are observing. You can eat in front of Muslim students or staff, although, it might be polite to ask first. It is also a courtesy to try not to schedule working lunches during Ramadan. They can go for a coffee chat with you, but they would take a pass on eating or drinking. You can also join your Muslim peers and friends for Iftar, which a big communal meal as the breaking of the fast after sundown. Previous UOBISOC’s Community Iftar in the Green Heart was attended by over 400 students, staff, and community members. For greetings, you may say ‘Ramadan Mubarak' or 'Ramadan Karim' (meaning Happy Ramadan). Your Muslim friends will appreciate the thoughtfulness.

What's on during Ramadan?

The UoB Islamic Society have their annual Ramadan Project where the society put on various events on campus from daily Iftars and Halaqat (discussion) circles, to Qur'an classes every week, as well as daily Taraweeh prayers. 

Additionally, UoB Islamic Society usually host the very popular and much-anticipated Community Iftar which catered to over 2,000 people last year!  Find out more about Community Iftar.

The society aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge of Islam, connect with like-minded individuals, or simply enjoy the company of others during the blessed month, absolutely everyone is welcome. 

To find out more, contact UoB's Islamic Society

Relevant policy documents

Please go to the Codes of Practice, Policies and Guidance page to look for documents that apply to your cohort year. You may find the Code of Practice on Accommodating Students’ Religious Observance, Religious Observances FAQ's, and Religious Observance Form under the Student Support & Student Related (incl. Immigration) section.

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences (MDS) also has guidelines on matters of Muslim religious observance for students on clinical courses. The MDS EDI team can be reached by email at mdsequality@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

 

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