Supports during the month of Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims that is observed once a year and occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. It is a month-long spiritual journey that begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and consists of fasting, prayer and community connections. One of the five pillars/tenets of Islam is to fast during Ramadan, abstaining from food and water from dawn to dusk. This practice is intended to reinforce spirituality, discipline, compassion and patience, as well as charity and knowledge seeking.

In 2024, Ramadan will be observed from March 10 to April 9, overlapping with the end of Winter term classes in most faculties. The Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle and while these are the expected dates of Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon sightings. Eid, which is typically one or two days in duration, is the religious holiday that marks the completion of the holy month. To offer a greeting during Ramadan, you can say Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem, meaning “have a blessed Ramadan” (Rah-mah-daan Moo-baa-raak/Ka-reem). During Eid, you may offer the greeting Eid Mubarak (Eed Moo-baa-raak).

In living our commitment to creating inclusive and equitable learning and working environments, we encourage a flexible approach to accommodating U of A students, staff and faculty who are observing Ramadan.

Please consider the following:

  • There are differences in how and when Ramadan is observed by Muslims and, as such, individual religious and personal practice may vary. For example, not everyone fasts during Ramadan.
  • Use this time as an opportunity to educate yourself on Islam and foster connections by checking in with colleagues, peers, students and friends who may be observing Ramadan.
  • Many members of the U of A community may be dealing with loss or grief and the U of A Muslim community is no exception. Seek to approach students, staff and faculty with connections to Palestine, Sudan and other regions with compassion. For those in need of support, please find resources at this link.
  • Meeting the needs of faculty, staff and students who are observing Ramadan can be approached in an open, informal, inclusive and equitable manner through discussion.
  • Students who have academic (exams, seminars, lectures, labs, etc.) or other activities scheduled during sunset or evening hours may need to be excused to break their fasts or observe prayer.
  • To support faculty and staff, supervisors might provide a space to pray, be flexible in scheduling meetings, check in on those who do not have family or community support or allow flexible work hours or remote work options during this time. Avoid scheduling meetings where food or drink will be consumed between dawn and dusk.
  • Faculty, staff and students who are fasting may request accommodations during this month.
  • Faculty, staff and students may request time off for Eid to observe prayer and spend time with family.

In accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Act and the University of Alberta's Discrimination, Harassment and Duty to Accommodate Policy, the university has an institutional obligation to reasonably accommodate students, staff and faculty on the basis of religious beliefs. Faculty and staff may contact their HR partners or supervisors to request non-medical accommodations. Students may apply for non-medical accommodations or email doshelp@ualberta.ca for assistance.

If you have questions about accommodating faculty, staff or students during Ramadan, you can consult with the following offices:

For Students:

For Staff/Faculty: