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 2024, the month-long fast of Ramadan begins around 10 March and ends around 8 April.
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 is expected to be on 10 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.
The greeting Eid Mubarak means 'blessed holiday!'
Staying healthy during Ramadan
Exercise & nutrition
Students observing fast may find these practical guides to exercise and nutrition during Ramadan useful:
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
Prayers fall into timeslots, check approximate prayer times during Ramadan for more information.
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's article 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 during the Semester Two teaching period and ends during the Spring holiday. We are aware fasting may have an impact on preparation and submission of coursework and revision. 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, students concerned about the impact of Ramadan on their studies are encouraged to speak to their Personal Tutor and department as soon as possible and familiarise themselves with the Mitigating Circumstances guidance.
To learn more, check out our article Support for students taking assessments during Ramadan.