Faith, community and uni life: Muslim students on Ramadan at King’s

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and community building.

For students at King’s College London, fasting during Ramadan is a significant experience, blending spiritual devotion with academic and social life. This year, Ramadan began on Friday 28 February 2025.

Ramadan is a month of devotion, Taraweeh prayers, reading the Quran, acts of charity, and communal worship. It’s about more than just fasting. Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) takes place before Fajr (the first of the five daily prayers), and iftar is the evening meal at sunset. Both mark key moments in the day for spiritual connection and self-reflection. You can read more about Observing Ramadan at King’s. 

To understand how students balance faith and studies during one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, we spoke with two undergraduates at King’s. 

Our interviewees:

• Vére: Second-year Psychology student.

• Shahida: Third-year PPE student.

What does Ramadan mean to you?

For both Vére and Shahida, Ramadan is a deeply personal and spiritual time.

Vére: To me, Ramadan is a way to bring myself closer to understanding Islam. It’s not just about fasting, it’s also about charity and self-improvement. This will be my second year fasting for Ramadan.

Shahida: Ramadan is a time for deep reflection, both spiritually and religiously. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with my faith, spend time with my family or community, and give back.

How do you manage your energy levels during Ramadan and does it affect your productivity?

Vére: The biggest challenge for me isn’t food, it’s water. Dehydration makes me sluggish, but oddly enough, fasting keeps me motivated to stay productive. Since I’m not spending time on meals, I attend more lectures and stay on top of my work.

Shahida: I do experience energy drops, especially after iftar. To stay alert, I make sure to complete the hardest tasks in the morning when I have the most energy. A quick nap before iftar also helps.

How do you manage your time and daily routine while fasting during Ramadan?

A typical day starts with suhoor, followed by classes or revision, and then iftar after Maghrib prayer, which occurs around sunset and is the fourth of the five daily prayers.

Vére: I try not to change my daily structure too much. I avoid naps because, for me, Ramadan is about getting through the day rather than trying to sleep through it. Instead, I create a checklist of tasks to stay focused.

Shahida: The biggest challenge is balancing fasting, studies, and sleep while making time for religious observances. My strategy? Prioritise tougher tasks earlier in the day when my energy is higher.

How does the community help you during Ramadan and do you have a support system?

Vére: My sister doesn’t fast, but she’s very supportive, and we often share meals together. My friends, both Muslim and non-Muslim, are also understanding. Some even plan to have iftar with me, which keeps me motivated.

Shahida: I’ve attended an iftar on campus before, and the prayer room has been particularly useful for staying on top of religious obligations.

• Meal prep to save time.
• Find a supportive community to experience Ramadan with, such as 'Community Taste Ramadan,' Ramadan Tent Project or 'New Beginnings' for those who are new to observing Ramadan and need guidance (If you're unsure how to navigate Ramadan and would like support, consider reaching out to these organisations for help).
• Your local masjid/mosque.
• Engage with your faith through prayer and reflection.
• Use helpful apps like Azkar for structured duas and reminders.

Fasting is a deeply personal and meaningful experience for Muslims at King’s. Through efficient time management, access to support systems, and a thoughtful balance between spiritual and academic commitments, many find Ramadan an empowering period of self-reflection.

Prioritising mental health and well-being is equally important. Students observe Ramadan in different ways and open conversations can help ensure you receive the right support. King’s has a variety of resources on hand to help you:

• Imams and chaplaincy - students can reach out to Muslim chaplains, Imam Abdul Mumin Choudhury and Romana Kazmi for spiritual support and guidance.
• Muslim prayer rooms - dedicated prayer spaces are available across King’s campuses for students observing Ramadan.
• Support for assessments during Ramadan - if deadlines feel daunting during Ramadan, consider discussing mitigating circumstances with your department or personal tutor.
• KCLSU Islamic society - connect with them via social media, for community events, iftars and peer support while observing Ramadan.
• Staying active - Strand and London Bridge gyms have extended hours to accommodate fasting schedules.
• King’s wellness.
• King’s support services.

Ramadan is about more than refraining from food, it’s also a spiritual detox, fostering deeper faith and a chance to reconnect with family, friends, and community.

As Vére puts it: 

Ramadan Mubarak to all those who observe and wish you a blessed and fulfilling month. We hope these insights help everyone at King’s foster a better understanding, compassion, and ensure support during this special time for the Muslim community.