Tips And Tricks For Students This Ramadan 2023

Ramadan 2023 is fast approaching with the predicted start being Wednesday 22nd March, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca. 

This month-long period is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.

To help students prepare for this important month, we’ve put together this guide with tips and tricks for Ramadan 2023.  

What Is Ramadan? 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is believed to be the month in which the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

During this month-long period, healthy adult Muslims will fast from dawn until sunset, meaning they do not eat or drink anything during daylight hours. 

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and allows Muslims to draw closer to their faith and Allah.

Fasting is meant to be a spiritual and physical cleansing and a time of self reflection.

It is compulsory for all Muslims to fast except those who are ill, pregnant, travelling, or elderly. 

During this sacred month in Islamic culture, there are five daily prayers which are carried out. Muslims will break their fast after their evening prayer with a meal called ifṭār, which traditionally starts with dates and water. 

In addition to fasting during Ramadan, Muslims will also try to give up bad habits, spend time praying, reciting the Quran, perform good deeds and be around their loved ones.

When Is Ramadan 2023? 

The exact dates of the holy month of Ramadan change every year according to the lunar cycle, which rotates by roughly 10-11 days each year. 

This year, Ramadan 2023 is expected to begin on Wednesday 22nd March, depending on the sighting of the moon. Although, this day could vary according to the sighting of the moon. 

Ramadan will last for 30 days, ending on Friday 21 April, with the celebratory days of Eid al-Fitr taking place on Saturday 22 April or Sunday 23 April.

Tips & Tricks For Ramadan 

Millions of Muslims from across the globe will be taking part in Ramadan with dusk till dawn fasting and prayers. 

If you’re celebrating Ramadan 2023, there are a few things you can do to ensure you stay fit and healthy during this month-long period whilst at university.

We’ve listed some tips and tricks for you below! 

1. Plan Your Time 

Managing your academic commitments during Ramadan can be difficult but there are things you can do to help with your studies within this period. 

Firstly, you should try to be organised and manage your schedule so you can plan what you’re going to do and when, as well as fit time around your prayers. 

We’d suggest creating a plan of action which works for you if you haven’t done so already to help break things into manageable chunks. 

It may be best to study in the morning when your energy levels are higher, and carry out more strenuous activities during the first few hours of the day.

2. Focus On Your Diet 

Fasting during Ramadan can cause dehydration as food and drink are abstained from dusk till dawn.

So, it’s important to focus on your diet and plan what you’re eating before and after fasting hours. 

You can do this by making sure to follow your local timings for when you can start and stop eating.

Then, plan your meals around this to ensure you’re eating a well-balanced diet and eating nutritious foods which will provide you with the energy you need throughout the day. 

Before you start your fast, you should make sure to eat a healthy and filling meal during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) in the early hours of the day. 

You should also make sure to drink plenty of fluids like water or juice to prevent yourself getting dehydrated – breakfast is the most important meal of the day remember! 

Likewise, when it comes to breaking your fast during Iftar, ensure you eat a healthy well-balanced meal.

It’s important not to overeat as this can harm your body, instead eat slowly and enjoy your meal. 

3. Stay Well Rested 

During Ramadan, Muslims tend to get less sleep during this period, as energy levels are affected due to fasting. 

Headaches are more common during fasting periods due to a lack of water and fluids, so it’s important to pace yourself during the day and avoid excessive exercise which may cause you to be exhausted. 

If you do want to keep fit and healthy, try to plan your exercise for the evening after you’ve broken your fast. 

If you need to, take naps or rest during the day for around 20 to 30 minutes to improve your physical and academic performance as well as boost your mood.

Be sure to set an alarm and not over-sleep as this can make you feel more drained. 

Overall, you should recognize your own limits and discover what works for you during the days of Ramadan. 

4. Speak To Your University 

If you’re comfortable disclosing your faith, then speak to your university about observing Ramadan. 

It can be challenging to balance religious and academic commitments during Ramadan, but letting your university know means they can put support in place to help you and understand your needs better. 

Some examples of support that could be put in place include making adjustments to your university hours, letting you study at home rather than at uni, taking more breaks, and allowing prayer time whilst on campus. 

Likewise, we’d also suggest speaking to your doctor before fasting if you have any health conditions or are taking medication.

It’s essential not to push yourself too hard and listen to your body.

5. Be Kind To Yourself 

It’s important to be kind to yourself and prioritise self-care during Ramadan to maintain your physical and mental well-being. 

Ramadan can be a difficult period for many reasons, especially if this is the first time you’re celebrating the holy month away from home in your university city or town, so it’s important to look after your wellbeing. 

You can do this by staying connected with your family and friends from home and surrounding yourself with a good community of people.

If you haven’t already, try to connect with other Muslims at your university. 

This way, you can stay motivated and connected to your faith as well as feel a sense of belonging and support during a challenging time.

If you find that you’re struggling during Ramadan, there are people you can speak to and resources available to help you out both on campus and within your community. 

Ramadan is a time of celebration so, try your best to stay positive and enjoy the blessings of the month.

You can do this by practising mindfulness or worshipping to focus on your relationship with Allah. 

That’s the end of our guide on tips and tricks for Ramadan 2023. 

Ramadan is a month of spiritual growth and reflection. so try to use this month to focus on your faith, spend time in prayer, read Quran and engage in charitable acts. 

We wish you a happy and healthy Ramadan! 

If you’re living in our student accommodation, don’t forget to get involved by decorating your flat, making a meal with your flatmates during Iftar or by practising good deeds within your community. 

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