How to balance your studies during Ramadan

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is regarded as one of the holiest months among Muslims. It's a time for fasting, reflection, prayer and community.  

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in behaviour that is considered sinful. The fast is seen as a means of purifying the soul, developing self-control and becoming closer to God (Allah).

The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, which usually starts with dates and water, followed by a larger meal. Before dawn, Muslims eat a pre-fast meal called suhoor to help sustain them throughout the day.

In addition to fasting, Muslims engage in increased prayer, reading the Quran and charitable acts during Ramadan. The last ten days of Ramadan are considered particularly special, especially the "Night of Power" (Laylat al-Qadr), which is believed to be the night when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday that includes prayers, feasting, and giving to charity.

My advice for students during Ramadan

Studying during Ramadan requires balance and smart planning. Here are some of the things that have worked well for me:

1. Take advantage of the early morning hours before suhoor for focused study.
2. Break sessions into smaller chunks with frequent breaks to avoid exhaustion.
3. After Iftar, prioritise difficult subjects in your study schedule. Keep hydrated, take power naps, and eat nutritious meals to keep energized.  
4. For mental clarity and attention, use quick prayers and Du'a and calm night hours like Tahajjud for intense concentration.  
5. Maintain a study schedule, be flexible and optimise your surroundings to prevent distractions. Group study may help you feel more productive and balanced.

Discover more tips for managing your wellbeing as a student on the Wellbeing Hub on your Student Portal.

Hridoy studies Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in Bangladesh.