Teaching & Innovation Blog

---

Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar that holds significant religious and cultural importance for millions of Muslims worldwide. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical desires. Ramadan can be a challenging time for Muslim students, particularly those who are far away from their families and communities. 

Faculty and instructional staff play a crucial role in supporting Muslim students during this time. We provide considerations to best support your students during Ramadan:

Be aware of Ramadan's timing:

Ramadan falls on different dates every year as per the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri), so make sure you know when it starts and ends. You can find the exact dates online or through your Muslim students. Knowing the timing of Ramadan will allow you to understand your Muslim students’ needs and the potential challenges they may face. This year, Ramadan will be on the evening of Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023, to the evening of Thursday, April 22nd or Friday, April 21st, 2023 (depending on interpretation)  

Create an inclusive environment:

Observant Muslims pray five times a day and even Muslims who might not regularly observe daily prayer may do in Ramadan. Relatedly, more Muslims in Ramadan will go to a mosque at noon on Friday to join congregational prayer (Jumaah) These required prayers can conflict with class schedules. Be flexible and accommodating for these students. Encourage them to talk to you or the department staff if they need support and make sure they know they can do so without fear of discrimination. You can find the prayer times for Ramadan here. The following spaces have been reserved for prayer on campus during the holy month of Ramadan: 

• Student Commons #2109 
• Business School #2300   
• Lawrence Street Center #1232 
• North Classroom Building #1612   
• Learning Commons #2241 (Weld Conference Room) 
  
  

Nearest mosque for Friday congregation prayer is Downtown Denver Islamic Center at 2952 N Downing Street. 

Offer additional testing times:

Preferably in the early morning as students will begin fasting pre-dawn. Offering students additional testing times without having them ask first, removes the dynamics associated with power and privilege that a student may feel when speaking with a professor in asking accommodation.

Provide additional resources or opportunities:

Provide Muslim students who are observing Ramadan with slide handouts, class recordings, or notes as students could have prayers that overlap with class times.
Be mindful of fasting: Fasting during Ramadan can be physically and emotionally demanding. You may notice your Muslim students experiencing tiredness, low energy levels, and difficulty focusing. To support them, try to schedule exams or presentations outside of fasting hours. Additionally, consider providing more flexible office hours, assignments, or exams to accommodate their religious practice and support their success.

Show interest in their traditions:

Showing interest in your Muslim students' traditions and practices can make them feel welcome and appreciated. The day after the official end of Ramadan is a major holiday, Eid al-Fitr. This festival is customarily celebrated in the company of family and friends. Wherever possible, students and employees should be granted leave from work and class obligations on Eid al-Fitr. Religious observance of this holiday would constitute an appropriate and expected reason for an excused absence from class. Eid al-Fitr is three days and its first day might fall on Friday April 21st or Saturday April 22nd depending on interpretation. Happy Eid or Eid Mubarak are common greetings for Eid. 

Be aware of cultural sensitivities:

Be aware of your own cultural assumptions and biases and try to create an environment that is welcoming and respectful of all cultures and backgrounds. 

Supporting Muslim students during Ramadan is crucial. Create an inclusive environment that accommodates their religious practices, promotes understanding and appreciation of their culture, and helps them succeed academically. Remember, providing support during Ramadan is not only important for your Muslim students but also contributes to building a more diverse and inclusive community on campus. 

Ramadan Mubarak! 

Article created in partnership with CU Denver's Center for Identity & Inclusion!