Writing midterms without food, water, or caffeine is the reality for many Muslim students at Mount Royal University as Ramadan coincides with exam season.
“I feel more nervous than usual and lose focus easily,” said Asaleh Abulrejal, a second-year supply chain management student. “I’m not able to show my best performance during exams while fasting.”
Muslim students fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which runs from dawn until sunset each day. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal known as iftar. During this time, students may need to adjust their sleep, study, and class schedules to accommodate their religious practices while continuing to perform at an acceptable academic level.
Since Ramadan began, Abulrejal said she has been studying primarily late at night after breaking the fast due to her increased energy and ability to focus.
“Studying ahead of time before the month starts helps a lot, so during Ramadan I only have to review,” said Abulrejal.
Exam timing can create additional stress. When tests fall at sunset, some students have only seconds to acknowledge iftar before continuing to write.
“Sometimes I have to break my fast with just water during an exam and wait until after to actually eat,” she said.
Overlapping issues
Mahdi Mir, president of the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) at MRU, said the overlap between Ramadan and midterms presents both academic and logistical challenges for students.
“Students sometimes have exams at the exact time they’re supposed to break their fast, which makes it tricky,” Mir said.
Mir said the MSA has been working with the university to assist students in requesting accommodations for exam conflicts with iftar. In Ramadan, time management is particularly challenging for students because they now have to juggle their normal classes, studying for exams, attending nightly prayers, and eating their first meal of the day at sunrise.
Beyond academics, the lack of prayer space is also an increasing problem for students. Muslims pray five times a day, and the university only offers one multi-faith room that is typically overcrowded during Ramadan.
“The primary struggle during Ramadan is the lack of prayer space on campus,” Mir said. “Students sometimes end up praying in hallways or empty classrooms and then arrive late to class.”
Despite these challenges, Mahdi said Ramadan remains a meaningful time for students and a chance to build community. The MSA has been hosting group iftars on campus, allowing students to break their fast together after long days of classes and studying.
“Muslim students have a lot on their plates this month and often face time management challenges,” he said. “But Ramadan is also a time that brings the community together.”
For Abulrejal, preparation and planning have been key to managing both religious and academic responsibilities.
“It’s definitely stressful,” she said, “but planning ahead makes it manageable.”
