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Ramadan: information for UCL staff and students

Contents

Religion and belief at UCL
What is Ramadan?
When is Ramadan?
What happens during Ramadan?
Advice for line managers
Inclusive Practice
Wellbeing advice for staff & students observing Ramadan
Advice for students observing Ramadan on studying
Useful Links

Religion and belief at UCL

UCL is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment for all members of the UCL community, where all staff and students are valued and respected. We strive to provide a positive environment for UCL’s diverse community, in which people of all faiths and beliefs, and those who have none, are treated with dignity and respect.  

UCL recognises that the spiritual and moral systems that religions and beliefs offer can often be of fundamental importance to the wellbeing of staff, students and visitors. UCL also recognises that religious rituals, such as dress, diet and prayer, can be an integral part of religious life.

Read the Religion and Belief Equality Policy.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar. It is considered the holiest month of the Islamic year, as it marks the time when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

When is Ramadan?

The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the crescent of the new moon. The lunar calendar shifts by roughly 10-12 days each year, so the exact dates of Ramadan change annually.

Ramadan 2026 is estimated to take place from 18th February to 19th March. Dates will be confirmed on The Islamic Cultural Centre website.  

What happens during Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, and it is observed by Muslims (people that follow the religion of Islam) as a month of fasting. Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time, offering an opportunity for reflection, self-purification, and renewed focus on faith, charity, and family. Adult Muslims fast during Ramadan as an act of obedience to Allah (God), although there are some exemptions (e.g. illness, age, and pregnancy) and this is not an indicator of a Muslim person’s commitment to their faith.

Fasting (Sawm) is observed during daylight hours, beginning at dawn and ending at sunset. This means that during sunlight hours observing Muslims will not eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum. During a fast, observers wake for a pre-dawn meal (Suhur) and will break their fast (Iftar) just after sunset.

The month ends with the celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr, marking the end of fasting. Eid is announced with the sighting of the new moon.

Advice for line managers

Under the Equality Act 2010, Religion and Belief is a protected characteristic. As an inclusive employer, UCL expects line managers to show flexibility to Muslim colleagues that are fasting during Ramadan where reasonably practicable.

Workplace flexibility

  • Offering slight adjustments to the working day - such as earlier start or finish times- can be a valuable show of support for employees observing Ramadan.
  • Remote working options (where this can be accommodated) may help to reduce the strain of commuting.
  • If operationally feasible, allow colleagues to take short breaks for afternoon prayers, potentially by using or adjusting their existing break or lunch periods.
  • If no quiet contemplation rooms are available, consider offering a quiet, private space - such as an unused meeting room - as a temporary prayer area. This gesture shows respect for religious needs and supports inclusivity.
  • It may be considerate to avoid scheduling staff social activities or working lunches during Ramadan. Where possible, schedule important meetings earlier in the day when colleagues may feel more focused.
  • Muslim employees may request annual leave to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. Be mindful that the exact date depends on lunar sightings. While colleagues are asked to provide as much notice to their managers as possible for annual leave requests, it may only be possible to provide an estimate of dates prior to the lunar sightings, and so precise leave requests may be at short notice.

Showing understanding and support for well-being

  • A colleague observing Ramadan could be abstaining from food and water for over 13 hours a day. This can sometimes lead to hunger, thirst, fatigue, or reduced concentration, particularly in the afternoon.
  • Late-night prayers and early morning meals may disrupt sleep patterns potentially causing increased tiredness.
  • Be proactive in supporting your colleagues by checking on their well-being. Approach these conversations with sensitivity, respecting their communication preferences and boundaries.

General recommendations

  • Avoid making assumptions: while some employees may appreciate adjustments during Ramadan, others may prefer no changes. Line managers may find it beneficial to discuss adjustments with their team members on an individual basis.

Inclusive Practice

One of the most valuable ways of demonstrating allyship is by increasing understanding through education. Foster understanding for yourself and with other colleagues by learning from and sharing reliable resources about the significance of Ramadan and how colleagues can support those who are fasting. We encourage staff and students to be supportive of Muslim students and colleagues during Ramadan. The following are a number of examples for ways in which you can demonstrate allyship to Muslim students and colleagues during Ramadan.

  • Be mindful of your colleagues’ fasting and their five daily prayers.
  • Take time to learn more about Ramadan so you can support them better.
  • If they are comfortable talking about their faith, engage in dialogue.
  • Some Muslim colleagues may not wish to be around food and drink during this time so be mindful and respect their wishes where this is the case.
  • Be aware that exemptions exist during Ramadan. Be mindful that a Muslim may not be fasting at all or for certain periods of the month for different personal reasons.
  • If a team member observing Ramadan expresses interest in sharing their experiences, consider offering them the space to do so - without any expectation or pressure. This can be a meaningful way to foster mutual understanding and inclusion.
  • Some Muslim employees who may not usually be seen as practising may increase their dedication to fulfilling the obligations of Ramadan, so avoid assumptions about people’s faith status.

Wellbeing advice for staff & students observing Ramadan

Rest & lunch breaks

  • Fasting may lead to fatigue or lethargy, so it’s essential to prioritise rest outside of working hours.
  • Try to take breaks from sitting at your workstation.
  • Use your lunch breaks for resting and praying.
  • Go outside for fresh air but try to avoid over-exerting yourself.
  • Maintaining a consistent sleep pattern will help to reduce the likelihood of fatigue.
  • If you notice your energy levels dropping, refreshing your wudu (ritual ablution) can help you to feel more refreshed and focused.
  • If you feel unusually tired, dizzy, or have other health concerns, speak to a health professional.

Food & drink

  • Dehydration can cause fatigue and other health issues so drink plenty of water, or consume water-rich fruits and vegetables, during non-fasting hours.
  • Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks as these may lead to dehydration.
  • For both Suhoor and Iftar, plan well-balanced meals that offer slow, sustained energy release throughout your fast:
    • Choose low-Glycaemic Index (GI) carbohydrates that release glucose gradually.
    • Including lean protein in your meals helps to keep you feeling full, supports muscle maintenance, and helps stabilise blood sugar levels.
    • Healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, slow down gastric emptying, helping to keep you feeling full for longer.
  • Avoid sugary and salty foods, and refined carbohydrates.
  • When breaking your fast, start with a small meal and resist the urge to overeat, which can cause digestive discomfort and bloating.
  • Further information may be found at NHS Ramadan Health Guide - A Guide To Healthy Fasting

Advice for students observing Ramadan on studying

  • Plan your daily schedule to balance coursework, revision, rest, prayer, exercise, and meals. A well-organised timetable can reduce decision-making fatigue and help you to stay on track.
  • Study your most important topics when you are most alert, such as after Suhoor.
  • Take regular short breaks (5-10 minutes) during study sessions to stay refreshed. This will help you maintain focus, especially when you're fasting.
  • Prioritise sleep and rest, especially between study sessions. Try to get enough rest during the night and take short naps if needed, as quality sleep is crucial during Ramadan.
  • If you need support or advice during Ramadan, contact a Student Support and Wellbeing adviser.
  • If you are living in UCL accommodation, you can speak to your friendly Student Resident Adviser.

Useful Links

UCL Policies & Guidance

UCL Muslim networks

For Students (UCL Student’s Union)

For Staff

External guidance

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UCL is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. This guidance has been developed to encourage inclusive practice. Free speech attracts a high level of protection in UK law, and UCL is committed to upholding all speech unless it is restricted by law. Nothing in this guidance should be taken to undermine that principle. More information can be found in UCL’s Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech.