Ramadan is a special month of reflection, community, and spiritual growth - but it can also be a challenging period for staff and students who are balancing fasting with the demands of work and study. Whether it’s staying focused, finding suitable prayer spaces, or managing energy levels, a bit of preparation and understanding can make a meaningful difference. PhD student Fahhad shares his personal experience of observing Ramadan while studying at the University.
Hello, my name is Fahaad Alsubaei I am a third year PhD student from Saudi Arabia, and this is my third Ramadan at the University of Aberdeen. I hope, through this blog, I can offer some tips and advice to help make other students and staff’s fasting experience easier during this holy month.
One of the advantages of observing Ramadan in Aberdeen is the cool weather, which makes fasting more manageable. With Ramadan falling in winter this year, the shorter days also make the fasts easier - and this pattern will continue for the next few years.
My biggest piece of advice for making fasting easier is to adjust your sleep pattern whenever possible. This helps reduce the long gap between waking up and breaking the fast, and it also gives you more time overnight to stay properly hydrated before the next day begins. In addition, there are several quiet spaces available to staff and students, which I recommend using if - like me - you experience headaches while fasting.
During Ramadan, it’s helpful to be aware of the prayer rooms available. You can find dedicated spaces at the Multifaith Chaplaincy, the Sir Duncan Rice Library, Polwarth building, Powis Gate and there is also a temporary prayer room in the Students’ Union Building for the duration of the month. Just off campus, on Spital Street, the AMIC Mosque offers a daily group Iftar. If you’re missing the sense of community with family or simply want to connect with the local Muslim community, it’s a wonderful place to meet others and enjoy great food together.
I hope these insights make your Ramadan at the University of Aberdeen a little smoother and more meaningful. Whether you are fasting for the first time away from home or have observed Ramadan for many years, remember that you’re part of a supportive community here. Make use of the spaces, the people, and the routines that help you stay grounded throughout the month. I wish everyone observing a peaceful, healthy, and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan - and I hope you find comfort, connection, and balance during this special time.
University support and guidance
The University is committed to supporting staff and students observing Ramadan where possible. During Ramadan, Muslim staff and students may be fasting during daylight hours. As a result, towards the end of the day concentration and productivity are likely to be lower than normal. Steps can be taken to ensure staff and students are supported during this time:
- Be open to listening and encourage Muslim staff and students to discuss Ramadan and how it may affect their work or study
- Be mindful of the impact fasting might have on staff and students as the day progresses
- If possible, avoid arranging meetings or events that involve food or beverages
- Where possible, allow flexible working or studying arrangements. For example, earlier start and finish, rescheduling complex meetings, exams (where practicable) or difficult tasks, and allowing rest breaks throughout the day to pray.
- Allow time off if possible during Eid al-Fitr.
- Familiarise yourself with the University Religion and Beliefs policy and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Further information about Muslim Prayer spaces, including access and opening hours can be found here. An additional prayer room has been created on the ground floor of the Students’ Union Building for the duration of Ramadan.
