Supporting students observing Ramadan

Unique considerations for Muslim students observing Ramadan at UCalgary.

How does fasting work during Ramadan?

The fast requires a healthy person to abstain from food, drink and sexual contact from dawn till dusk. Those who are ill, travelling, pregnant, nursing or elderly are exempt from fasting. Among the benefits of fasting, a few are:

Enhancing a person’s discipline and willpower.
Feeling compassion for the less fortunate, poor and needy.
Developing a sense of community and generosity.
Increasing one’s spirituality, patience and determination

How much time does it take?

The fast here in Calgary during the summer months could last up to 16 hours, while in winter would be over the duration of 9-10 hours. During Ramadan, Muslims also congregate in the observance of special daily night prayers. These prayers last about 90-120 minutes as Muslims listen to the recitation of their holy text, the Quran.

This year, Ramadan is observed from the evening of February 18 to the evening of March 19, 2026.

Those observing will not eat or drink anything between 6:01 a.m. - 5:58 p.m. (day 1) to 5:59 a.m. - 7:48 p.m. (day 30).

Eid ul-Fitr, also known simply as Eid, is a major celebration for Muslims, marking the end of Ramadan.

Unique considerations for International Muslim Students:

Many international students do not have their families here for support
They may be feeling a sense of loneliness and lack of community. Especially if they are from a Muslim majority country.

If students attend class during sunset, let them know they are welcome to break their fast. 
If an exam is scheduled in the late afternoon or evening, be aware that fasting students may be a bit fatigued or distracted. If a student requests to eat during an exam or requires additional breaks, it would be helpful to support those requests.  
Understand that students may not know the exact dates of when Ramadan begins and ends in advance, since they vary and need to be confirmed by religious authorities depending on the first sighting of the crescent moon. Therefore, students may request consecutive days for accommodations.
Encourage open communication if students require support
Flexibility in deadlines, as students may have less energy or time to meet their deadline.
Inform students about accessibility and inclusion services as students may have difficulties with their assignments and quizzes and may ask to do them earlier in the day.
Refer students to the FSC for further support. For international students, there are also a wide variety of supports available through International Student Services.
Ramadan Food Hampers are available from the SU Campus Food Bank by request from Feb. 10 until March 13
If you are planning an event that includes food during Ramadan, consider providing takeout boxes so students observing Ramadan can save their meals to eat when they break their fast.