Observing Ramadan Whilst Studying: A Student Parent’s Journey

Ramadan is a time of faith, reflection, and togetherness, but balancing it with research and parenting can be challenging.

In this piece, PhD researcher Gazi Laila reflects on her experience balancing academia, childcare, and fasting during Ramadan in Leeds.

Photo: Gazi Laila’s daughter (aged 10), holding a Ramadan Mubarak sign.

Ramadan is a time of deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and community.

As a PhD researcher and parent, balancing academic commitments and childcare during this month presents challenges but also unique joys.

Praying with my daughter, preparing iftar together, and sharing meals as a family make Ramadan special, even away from home.

The University of Leeds fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, helping me maintain these traditions while staying connected to my faith.

Practical tips for student parents observing Ramadan

Here are some practical tips and strategies that I’ve found invaluable in the past, which we’ll explore in more detail in this blog:

• Meal Planning: Preparing balanced Suhoor and iftar meals in advance sustains energy levels and maximising rest.
• Hydration: Drinking enough water between iftar and Suhoor is essential. Water-rich fruits like orange, watermelon and cucumber help maintain hydration.
• Utilise University Resources: Prayer spaces, student support services, and the flexibility offered by colleagues, help make it easier to balance religious and academic commitments.
• Engage with the Community: Spending Ramadan away from home can be isolating but attending communal iftars helps build a strong support network.
• Time Management: Scheduling research around peak energy levels allows for better productivity while dedicating evenings to family and prayer.

Managing research, childcare, and fasting

Mastering the art of juggling research, childcare and fasting takes careful planning.

While fasting is obligatory for adults, younger children often want to participate to feel included. Our family focuses on teaching our daughter the values of Ramadan — kindness, charity, and gratitude — along with the significance of fasting.

My daughter’s school has also been amazing at supporting pupils who are fasting. School staff contacted families prior to Ramadan to ask whether their children would be fasting and on what days, but also to make them aware of prayer spaces in the school. Families are given the option to take their children home for some rest and prayers or to have them stay at school and use the school’s prayer facilities instead.

Knowing that the school recognizes and accommodates Ramadan has made balancing my responsibilities as a student and parent much easier.

Juggling meal prep and academic tasks

Fasting for long hours can be demanding, so I prioritise academic tasks during my peak productivity periods — usually mid-morning and early afternoon — and ensure my Suhoor and iftar meals are balanced and hydrating to maintain focus throughout the day.

For iftar, I start with dates for a quick energy boost, followed by a meal with protein like chicken and staple foods like naan and rice. Keeping hydrated is key, so I drink plenty of water and include water-rich fruits like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges to keep me refreshed.

Staying organised and planning my meals for the week in advance has been incredibly helpful to avoid last-minute stress and to get enough rest, so I can better manage both my studies and my responsibilities as a parent.

A strong sense of community at Leeds

One of the most heart-warming aspects of Ramadan at the University is the strong sense of community.

Weekly iftar gatherings provide an opportunity to break fast with friends and family, creating a home-like atmosphere for those far from their own.

Our daughter particularly enjoys these iftars, as well as meeting new people and experiencing the communal spirit of Ramadan on campus. The Eid celebration further strengthens these connections, bringing students together in a warm and familiar setting.

Beyond campus, Leeds Grand Mosque plays a vital role in fostering unity. Their community iftars welcome people from all backgrounds, creating a shared sense of belonging.

Prayer spaces and faith-based support

Navigating Ramadan while balancing university life can be challenging, but the University of Leeds has made it easier.

Designated prayer spaces across campus, including in the Union Building and Worsley Building, allow students to fit daily prayers into their schedules. The University chaplaincy’s Muslim Student Adviser offers valuable guidance, while the Leeds University Union Islamic Society (ISoc) organises iftars, interfaith events, and charity drives. These initiatives strengthen the sense of community and ensure Muslim students feel supported.

Support from colleagues makes a big difference too. Small gestures, such as adjusting meeting schedules around iftar and offering quiet spaces for prayer, contribute to an inclusive environment for those observing Ramadan.

Reflections on Ramadan in Leeds

Despite being away from home, Ramadan in Leeds has been an enriching experience. Sharing these moments with my daughter and watching her embrace Ramadan traditions in such a welcoming environment has deepened my appreciation of the month, making it all the more special.