Supporting Muslim Students
During Ramadan:
4 Suggestions for Teachers to Consider
By Naashia Mohamed
This year, 2026, Ramadan starts February 17th. Mohamed offers useful advice and insight to supporting students who actively observe this holy month of fasting and prayer. She also notes that “Cultural practices such as Ramadan provide excellent opportunities for schools and educational institutions to respect and embrace differences while building understanding and awareness.”
Here is what teachers can do.
- Educate Yourself About Ramadan and Why It Is Important to Muslims – While there may be some variations in the celebration, generally, it is a time for self-reflection, discipline, and spirituality.
- Make Accommodations for Fasting Students – Fasting students appreciate a location away from the cafeteria during lunch and alternate activities during physical education classes. Students also need a room or prayer space and pre-arrangements so they can go there quietly.
- Show Understanding and Empathy – Students may be more tired, especially the last ten days when family prayers can last until late at night. Postpone tests if possible and avoid lessons about food. Comments about health issues related to fasting without water and about fasting for weight loss should be avoided.
- Create Awareness About Ramadan Traditions and Islam – This is a good time to educate other students about Muslim dominant countries and cultures. The phases of the moon and Islamic arts and crafts are some of the suggested topics.
For a child in the author’s class, these activities provided her “with a sense of belonging to the school in a way she has previously never felt.”
