What is Ramadhan?
Ramadhan is the most cherished time of the year for the world’s two billion Muslims. It is considered the holiest month because that is when the Quran was revealed. The main feature of the month is fasting; able-bodied and practicing Muslims are commanded to fast as a means of self-improvement.
Fasting, the fourth of Islam’s five pillars, is perceived not only as a physical cleanse but, more significantly, as a spiritual cleanse. The transcending of bodily needs allows for more room for spiritual renewal, introspection, gratitude, patience, and compassion for the less fortunate. For a lot of Muslims, Ramadhan is typically that moment of the year when they strive to be better Muslims, which includes becoming their most generous selves.
During Ramadhan, many Muslim members of the 91 community will embark upon an intensive spiritual journey. They will be starting their days with “Suhoor” an early breakfast followed by a fast from dawn till dusk, abstaining from food, water and physical intimacy. By sunset there’s a breaking of the fast with a meal called “Iftar.” In the evenings, Muslims spend a good portion of the night making extra prayers and engaging with the Quran.
What services, spaces and potential accommodations are available?
Accommodations
Due to the gap between the Lunar and solar calendar, the start and end of the month will change from year to year. In 2025, Ramadhan will begin on March 1 with the festivity of Eid ul-Fitr marking the closing of the month. Students who have academic requirements that conflict with Holy Days such as Laylat al-Qadr or Eid al-Fitr are required to submit an accommodation request two weeks in advance. Though Ramadhan this year will not interfere with final exams, fasting and interrupted sleep schedules impact people differently and some Muslim students may be going through fluctuating or reduced energy levels and difficulty concentrating. It is therefore important to be considerate, understanding and willing to initiate conversations around accommodations. Collaborative efforts to provide flexibility when adjusting deadlines, presentations, workload and more, based on the Policy for the Academic Accommodation of Religious Observances are appreciated.
Services
Students who observe Ramadhan and who are living in residence on the All You Care To Eat meal plan will have access to early breakfast boxes and non-residence students will equally be able to access this option at the cost of $9.99 plus tax.
For Muslim students who are seeking spiritual and mental guidance, mentorship, and education, they can access two forms of support through the .
Spaces
In addition to the Meditation & Prayer Room, students can use a number of quiet spaces across campus to fulfill their daily prayers. Students can refer to the list below to find the closest quiet space:
- Wong Building, Room 1061-1
- University Hall, Room 002
- Birks Reading Room Chapel, Room 204
- Faculty of Dentistry, Room 514
- Bronfman Building, Room 102
- New Chancellor Day Hall, Room 4
- McIntyre Medical Science Building, Room 508A
- Morrice Hall, main floor
Along with the MSA prayer room, Room B09 (SSMU basement).
Are there any community events?
Ramadhan is a special time for community building and volunteering in organizing iftar events and giving to the less fortunate. You can keep an eye on the different Muslim student groups’ social media channels or MORSL’s to find out about these events and join in the festivities.
Ramadhan is a great opportunity to foster Muslims students’ sense of inclusion and belonging. Engaging in a spirit of both empathy and curiosity can be a way of showing care and can go a long way in making student to feel seen and supported. If you would like to express your thoughtfulness, you can extend your greetings to them at the start of the month by saying “Ramadhan Mubarak," which simply translates into blessed Ramadhan!
