This year, the dates of Ramadan are expected to fall within Monday, April 12, 2021 and Wednesday, May 12, 2021. The Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, and while these are the calculated expected dates of Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon-sightings or lack thereof. Some Muslims strictly follow calculations, while others strictly follow moon-sightings, and some follow a combination of both. What Muslims choose to follow can depend on their religious convictions, where they have lived in the world, and what their families practice. The day after the end of Ramadan is a religious holiday called Eid-al-Fitr. (SOURCE: https://studentlife.mit.edu/orsel/interfaith-understanding/about-ramadan-2021)

Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer, and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship.

General Practices: Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshipers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims also believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan.

Recommended Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and employees celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). (SOURCE: https://calendar.missouri.edu/event/ramadan_7210#.YHWtA-hKiHs)

Additional learning resources: 

Supporting Your Muslim Students on Campus This Ramadan (NASAPA: Student Affairs in Higher Education)

 About Ramadan 2021 (MIT Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life )

Best Practices for Supporting Muslim Students (a Tumblr created by a Muslim student)

How to Support Muslim Students When Ramadan Overlaps with School Year (Insight into Diversity Magazine)