Ramadan has just come to an end, and for many students, that means returning to a normal routine after a month of fasting, late nights, and early mornings. While balancing school and Ramadan is nothing new, it continues to highlight how little accommodation students actually receive during this time.
During this month, students fast from sunrise to sunset, which can be especially challenging during long school days. It’s not just about the hunger; sleep schedules are completely different. Many students stay up late for prayers and wake up before dawn to eat, often coming to school running on very little rest.
Freshman Sarah Ali expressed her own struggles, “The school day does noticeably feel longer, especially during lunch. Maybe a separate classroom during lunch could help out a little.”
Even small accommodations could make a big difference. Practices such as scheduling big tests in advance, allowing short breaks, and recognizing when energy levels are low can help students perform better without feeling overwhelmed. For athletes or students in physically demanding classes, fasting adds another layer of difficulty that is often overlooked.
“Playing soccer has been really hard,” says sophomore Arina Durakovic. “I think about water during the whole practice; it’s hard to see everyone else feeling refreshed after breaks.”
This year, Eid happened to fall during spring break, which made things easier for students celebrating. But most years, that’s not the case. Students often have to miss school to celebrate one of the most important holidays in their religion, sometimes falling behind or worrying about makeup work.
“I’ve always wondered why we don’t have Eid off from school,” Ali said. “It’s just as important to Muslims as Christmas is to Christians. I think we deserve to have the day with our families without worry.”
As Ramadan has ended, it’s a good time to reflect on how schools can better support their students. A little awareness and a few changes could go a long way in making sure every student feels seen, understood, and set up to succeed.
