Fasting is the basic requirement for Muslims during Ramadan – a month of introspection, reflection and a time to focus on spirituality and charity, observed by some 1.6 billion Muslims around the world.
On , we asked the U of T Muslim community to share some tips for studying while fasting. We received almost twenty suggestions with different viewpoints. Check out what they had to say:
Resting/Breaks
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Make sure you are rested! You don’t want to be hungry and sleepy while you study, so rest. – Saira Uddin (@Saira_uddin), Women and Gender Studies, second year
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Break up your study times, you will get exhausted easily so it’s okay to take breaks. – Aabid Ali (@Itz_aabid), Specialist in Psychology, third year
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Dates give you a lot of energy. Eat dates during Seheri. – Deepto Zaman (@Deeptozaman), Recently accepted to U of T’s Mathematical and Physical Science program
Eating/Drinking
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Stay hydrated during the night and ensure you’re having healthy foods to keep you fueled throughout the day. Physical and mental health matters! – Areeba Asif (@_areebs_), Human Biology and Mental Health Studies, third year
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Try studying earlier when your body has not yet digested all the food from Suhoor [pre-fast meal].
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Eat lots of dates in order to have more glucose present while studying. Avoid oily food as it might make you thirsty. Make a schedule for prayers and study time. – Abida Alokozai (@Abida_alokozai), Biological Chemistry, fifth year
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Study after Taraweeh [prayer] until Fajr [one of five daily prayers], while snacking on nutritious food and staying hydrated. – Aqsa Samad (), Psychology and Health Studies, fourth year
Study Timing
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Have a good Suhoor and an organized sleep schedule. – Zeyad Haggag (@Haggagjr), Management, first year
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Study in the early morning till mid-afternoon, 8am-4pm. Then nap till Iftar. – Shakeel Subdar (@Shakeelsub), Human Biology and Psychology, 2019 alumni
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Studying between Taraweeh and Suhoor.
Students seeking support and guidance are always welcome and encouraged to contact the
Thank you to everyone that submitted recommendations!