Supporting NOVA’s Muslim Students During Ramadan Religious Observance

In recognition of NOVA’s commitment to supporting students who wish to practice their religious beliefs, NOVA Muslim students are seeking the support of faculty, staff and administrators as they observe the Holy Month of Ramadan, which began on Thursday evening, April 23 and will end the evening of Saturday, May 23. Ramadan is considered one of the holy months in the Islamic calendar. Kindness, forgiveness and charity are emphasized and regarded as good practice in faith. It is also a time to be more patient, compassionate and forgiving of others and to show empathy to those who are in need.

Springtime is undoubtedly the most hectic time for all NOVA students as they manage to complete their remaining class assignments and prepare for final exam week. In addition to the stresses all students balance during this season–course loads, sleep schedules, meals, school and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it will have on the summer term and fall semester class instruction–Muslim students will also balance their prayer and religious observances.

Yasmeen Zargarpur, president of the Muslim Student Association for the Woodbridge Campus explains, “Muslim students are usually more available during the day throughout Ramadan. However, this year, we will be waking up at around 4 a.m. to eat and then break our fasts at 8 p.m. At around 9:30 p.m., most Muslims will be praying for two to three hours each night for the 30 nights of Ramadan and then waking up a few hours later to start the cycle over again. This usually entails less than six hours of sleep every night in addition to 15+ hours without food and water. For Muslim students, this schedule can be very exhausting for the first two to three weeks, which fall right before the final exam schedule.”

How Can Professors Support Muslim Students During Ramadan?
Although Muslim students are aware that they need to contact their professors to try to arrange an alternative time for their quizzes, tests or other assignments, NOVA Muslim students indicate that it would be especially helpful if professors would allow students to work at their own pace, and that they would be understanding of the fatigue from fasting that many students may experience.

“Although Ramadan started only four days ago, several Muslim students are already experiencing stress and anxiety,” says Zargarpur.

Finally, please help to provide an environment for our Muslim students where they feel supported to practice their religion; but, more importantly, one that ensures their well-being during this religious observance.