About Ramadan:
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, begins with the appearance of the crescent moon on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. 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 Thursday, March 19th or Friday, March 20th, 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.
Ramadan is more than just fasting–it’s a month of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and deep compassion for others.
UW-Madison Student
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.”
UW-Madison Staff
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 Tuesday, February 17th, and Friday, March 20th.
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 an 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 the iftar locations for the upcoming week.
Religious Observances Policy & Guidance
Existing religious observances academic policy note that:
- Instructors should announce early in the semester that your students must notify you within the first two weeks of class of the specific days or dates on which they request relief.
- Including this information on your course syllabus is encouraged, to make sure your students are informed of the policy.
- Make‑ups may be scheduled before or after the regularly scheduled requirements.
- It is understood that instructors may set reasonable limits on the total number of days claimed by any one student.
- Occasionally, students may not fully understand the necessity for prior notice, and under these circumstances we urge you to be as flexible as possible. Our policy seeks to be sensitive to the needs of individual students.
Religious Observances Guidelines
With those policies in mind, instructors should follow these guidelines:
- Proactively plan ahead to avoid conflicts between examinations or major course activities and religious observances, when possible.
- A non-exhaustive list of cultural, religious, and ethinc holidays is provided by the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty. Additional observances may exist that are not included on this list.
- You can also add religious observances to your Outlook calendar.
- Communicate with your students early (e.g., mention in your course syllabi and class announcements), and highlight the shared responsibility – students are responsible for notifying instructors within the first two weeks of classes of the date(s) on which they request relief due to a religious observance.
- Accept students’ requests at face value.
- Be prepared to offer students alternative pathways to fulfill course requirements (including class attendance) in cases where conflicts can’t be avoided.