Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, begins with the appearance of the crescent moon on Friday, February 28, 2025. 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 will likely end on the evening of Saturday, March 29 or Sunday, March 30, depending on when the moon is sighted, 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.”
During Ramadan, many students attend night prayers known as tarawih, which can last until midnight, and then wake before sunrise to eat the pre-dawn meal (suhur). These observances, combined with fasting from sunrise to sundown, can lead students to experience disrupted sleep schedules and fatigue. If needed, and in accordance with campus policy on religious observances, students may use this template to request flexibility on classwork or evening exams.
Meal Service
For those fasting, University Housing offers Halal-certified breakfast meals for suhur or sehri, the pre-dawn meal, which are available for pick-up the evening before at the dining market of your choice between Friday, February 28, and Saturday March 29.
Click below to learn more and to place your meal order.
Campus Community Iftars
Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast each night of Ramadan, after sundown.
The Muslim-majority student organizations are co-hosting iftars on 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 iftar locations for the upcoming week.
Highlighted Events
Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Heritage Month
Campus Prayer Spaces
Click below to view the map of prayer and reflection spaces on campus.
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 … the tone of engagement should still keep that core value of respect.”
From a student:
Ramadan is more than just fasting–it’s a month of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and deep compassion for others.
Religious Observances Policy & Academic Guidance
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 at the start of the academic year regarding religious observances.