What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It’s considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims.
The month traditionally begins and ends based on the sighting of the new moon. In 2023, it begins around March 22nd and ends around April 20th.
How is it observed?
Ramadan is a holy month of religious reflection. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During this month Muslims are encouraged to increase their good deeds, from acts of charity and community engagement to increasing good values such as generosity, solidarity, kindness, patience, and forgiveness.
Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers.
Eid ul-Fitr
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, or the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.” This year the holiday will be on 21 April 2023.
A special prayer and sermon are held the morning of Eid day, followed by a community celebration usually in a park or large hall.
Food, games and presents for children are important parts of the festivities, as friends and family spend the day socialising, eating and reuniting with old acquaintances.
Staying healthy during Ramadan
Exercise & nutrition
Students observing fast alongside academic studies may find the article NHS Staying healthy during Ramadan helpful.
We’ve also created these practical guides to looking after your exercise and nutrition during Ramadan:
Fasting & health conditions
While fasting is compulsory for most Muslims during Ramadan, you may be exempt if you are:
- Unwell
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Menstruating
- Travelling
- Elderly
Where appropriate, for example if you’ve had your period, you can make up the fast later.
If you’re unsure whether it’s safe for you to fast, seek advice from your GP surgery.
What to do if you become unwell while fasting
The British Islamic Medical Association advises that if you become unwell during Ramadan, you should stop fasting and seek medical advice.
You can do this by visiting NHS 111 online or your GP practice’s website. Alternatively, call 111 or your practice directly.
How does King’s support Muslim members of the community?
Imams & the Chaplaincy
If you’d like to discuss your thoughts and approach to Ramadan and fasting during your studies, you can contact our Muslim Chaplains:
King’s has a range of Chaplains from different faith backgrounds. They are available to talk one-to-one with anyone at King’s who would like some pastoral support.
For general support, advice & guidance please email them.
King’s College London Islamic Society
Students can connect with the Muslim community through King's College London Islamic Society (KCL ISOC).
Student Services
There is a wide range of support available to all our students. Check out our article What student support services are available at King's? to learn more about help and advice available to you.
Prayers & praying facilities
Prayer times during Ramadan
Approximate prayer times during Ramadan:
- Fajr (dawn) - 04.47 Fast begins
- Duhr (midday) - 13.03
- Asr (late afternoon) - 16.40
- Maghreb (sunset) – 19.42 Break fast
- Isha (night) – 21.20
During Ramadan students may also wish to observe Taraweeh prayers. These are special optional prayers that are offered after the Isha prayer.
Delaying & combining prayers
According to some schools of thought, you can delay and combine prayers if there are extenuating circumstances.
For more information, read About Islam: Can I delay and combine my prayers due to exams?
Prayer Facilities
Our Muslim Prayer Rooms are available to all staff and students to use, enabling everyone to fulfil the requirements of their faith.
The prayer rooms are open during King's Campus’ opening hours as well as for Friday prayers.
Managing revision & assessments during Ramadan
This year, Ramadan falls in the revision and assessment preparation period. You may find it challenging to manage your academic and personal commitments while observing Ramadan.
As different people manage their observance of Ramadan in different ways, it might be beneficial to have an early dialogue with your department to discuss possible inclusive arrangements regarding exams or assessments.
To learn more, check out our article Support for students taking assessments during Ramadan.