Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, begins with the appearance of the crescent moon on Sunday, March 10, 2024. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast (sawm) from dawn to sundown in observance of the month in which the Qur’an was revealed. Ramadan ends on the evening Tuesday, April 9th, in a feast called Eid al-Fitr. You may wish someone a happy Ramadan by saying “Ramadan mubarak,” which means ‘blessed Ramadan,’ or “Ramadan kareem,” which means ‘generous Ramadan.’ Scroll down to learn about UW-Madison academic policy, meal service, iftars, and more campus and community resources.
From a colleague:
Language is very important when speaking … about culture, religious practices, traditions, etc. One of the questions Muslims are often asked about their fasting is “Not even water??” usually followed by a “I could never do that,” or “That’s too much,” or “Why?” with a shocked expression of disbelief (not always nicely). We are always happy to engage. We are proud of who we are as everyone should be. This is a very important, beloved time for Muslims and so I’d like to just add, moving forward, the tone of engagement should still keep that core value of “Respect.”
Academic Policies
Existing policy and Academic Calendar guidance on Religious Observances note that:
- Instructors should not schedule exams and other mandatory academic requirements on days when religious observances may cause substantial student absences. A non-exhaustive list of cultural, religious, and ethnic holidays is provided by the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty. Additional observances may exist that are not included on this list.
- Students should notify the course instructor within the first two weeks of the semester/term of the specific dates conflicting with an exam or assignment.
- Per policy, any student with a conflict between an academic requirement and any religious observance must be given an alternative for meeting the academic requirement.
- Instructors received this memo at the start of the academic year regarding religious observances: https://secfac.wisc.edu/academic-calendar/#religious-observances.
Students can use this template to connect with professors to request flexibility on classwork or evening exams.
Meal Service
For those fasting, University Housing offers Halal certified meals for pick-up at the dining market of your choice.
Orders must be placed by 2 p.m. for pick-up at 5 p.m. or later that day. If you wish to have a meal for Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, please place your order by 2 p.m. on the Friday of the previous week.
Click below to learn more and/or place your meal order.
Iftars
Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast each night of Ramadan, after sundown. The morning predawn meal is known as suhur.
The Muslim-majority RSOs are all working together to host an iftar Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday every week of Ramadan (other than spring break). There will be a flyer posted by the Muslim Student Association (@msauwmadison) Instagram every weekend with the locations of the iftars for the upcoming week.
Highlighted Events
MSA’s Orphan Sponsorship Dinner
Campus Prayer Spaces
Click below to view the map of prayer and reflection spaces on campus.