How do I fast at school as a new Muslim?
Start with a good suhoor, drink well at night, keep your day simple and tell your teachers. Fasting at school or university is very doable for most students, even in a first Ramadan. Plan your meals, save your energy in PE, use lunchtime for rest or prayer and be kind to yourself if it is hard at first.
Check whether fasting is required for you
Fasting is for Muslims who have reached puberty and are healthy. A hadith says that a boy is not held accountable until he reaches puberty (Sunan Abi Dawud 4403), and scholars apply this to girls too. So younger students are not obliged, though many practise with half-days. If you are ill or on a journey, you can make the days up later:
For a first Ramadan as a convert, see Do I have to fast Ramadan in my first year as a Muslim?
Suhoor and night-time basics
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Take suhoor, as there is a blessing in it" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1923). Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal, and it makes the day much easier.
- Eat slow-release foods: oats, eggs, yoghurt, wholegrain bread, bananas, dates and nuts.
- Drink water between iftar and suhoor, little and often, rather than all at once.
- Go easy on salt, sugar and caffeine at suhoor, since they make you thirstier.
- Sleep as much as you can. Do your homework before iftar if possible and keep late nights for weekends.
Getting through the school day
- Lessons: sit near the front, take notes and do your hardest subjects first if you can choose.
- Lunchtime: use it for rest, prayer or a quiet corner in the library. You don't have to avoid friends. You can sit with them without eating.
- PE and sport: ask the teacher for a lighter role.
- Headaches and dizziness: if you feel really unwell, you may break your fast and make it up later. Your health comes first.
- Exams and tests: plan ahead and ask for advice if they fall in Ramadan.
Gentle movement is fine, and PE can usually be adjusted. See Can I exercise while fasting in Ramadan? If a test or exam falls in Ramadan, there is advice for that too. See Can I take exams while fasting in Ramadan?
Telling teachers and friends
A short, friendly note to your form tutor or class teacher is enough: "I'm fasting during Ramadan, so I might need a quieter lunchtime and a lighter PE lesson." Most teachers are happy to help. If a friend asks, a simple answer works: "It is a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, and it is great." See How do I tell my teacher I'm fasting?
- Fasting is obligatory only after puberty, and illness or travel are valid exemptions.
- Take suhoor, because there is blessing in it (Sahih al-Bukhari 1923).
- Save energy at lunch and in PE, and drink water at night.
- Tell your teachers early and be kind to yourself on hard days.
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