Ways to support your friends during the holy month of Ramadan

At the University of Portsmouth, 1,840 undergraduate students and 84 members of staff have given their religion as Muslim. So it’s highly likely someone in your class, seminar or lab will be observing Ramadan. During this period of fasting and reflection, being understanding, flexible, and supportive can make a meaningful difference to their experience at university.  

What Is Ramadan? 

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims around the world. It is the ninth month on the Hijri (Islamic) lunar calendar and commemorative of when Allah first revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Many Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink while continuing with their usual work and personal responsibilities. 

Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, so the dates change each year. 

Ramadan in 2026 

• Expected to begin: Evening of Tuesday 17 February 2026 

• Expected to end: Evening of Thursday 19 March 2026 
  (Dates may vary slightly depending on moon sightings.) 

What Does Observing Ramadan Look Like at University? 

Everyone experiences Ramadan differently. Many Muslims will fast throughout the day to allow for mindfulness, empathy, and introspection. Most will wake up early to have breakfast just before the sunrise and will then break their fast with dinner once the sun has set. Some Muslims may fast every day, while others may fast on selected days or be exempt for health or personal reasons. Energy levels can vary, particularly later in the day, and prayer times may fall during working hours. 

How you can support your friends observing Ramadan 

Be considerate when making plans. Arrange to meet friends earlier in the day when they may still have energy from their dawn meal. Perhaps you could go for a walk, rather than meet for lunch? Being considerate of an adjusted timetable shows support and respect and can be a simple - yet appreciated - gesture. 

Check in on your Muslim friends. Checking in on your Muslim friends is always a great idea! Feel free to ask them how they are doing. Doing so will help your Muslim friends feel loved, supported, and seen. 

Don’t ask why someone isn’t fasting. There are many reasons - including medical - why someone may choose not to fast, and these reasons may be very personal. Those who are not able to fast may still choose to take part in other ways of worship. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask how you can best help your friends to celebrate and practise their religion alongside life at Uni. You’ll probably learn a lot too. 

To wish Muslim friends a happy Ramadan, you can say “Ramadan Mubarak” to wish them a blessed one. Ramadan is often used as a time for many Muslims to fully develop a kind regard for others, especially those who are less fortunate. 

Events at University of Portsmouth 

• Daily Iftar Prayers and Meals – Chaplaincy, St Paul’s Sports Hall 

The chaplaincy will be open 24 hours a day for prayers, and in the evening will be offering meals for Iftar – this for both staff and students.  

• Iftar Event – Chaplaincy, St Paul’s Sports Hall – Tuesday 10 March - 17:00-20:30 

The ResLife team will be serving meals for students at Iftar.

If you'd like to help sponsor an iftar meal, all of which are funded by donations, you can do so here.

Useful Links 

Report + Support - University of Portsmouth