Ramadan 2023: 22 March to 20/21 April

Purpose and significance of Ramadan

• To attain nearness and closeness to God (Allah) through devotion and commitment to fasting and prayers
• To experience and appreciate those who are less fortunate than themselves
• A time of charity and generosity - it is especially encouraged during this month
• It is also a time for community and family spirit and providing support. Families within a household will pray and eat together and support each other.

Key points

• The dates of Ramadan in 2023 are 22 March to 20/21 April
• Muslims abstain from any food and drink between dawn and sunset on each day of this month. See the local timings of prayer and fasting  
  • Ramadan and prayer timetable for March
  • Ramadan and prayer timetable for April
• During this time Muslims try to follow a normal study or work routine as far as possible, but have responsibilities for devotion to extra prayers and readings to their daily religious commitments
• The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid ul Fitr. Muslims will generally visit the Mosque for Eid prayers in the morning on the first day of Eid. They will offer prayers and express gratitude to Allah whilst reflecting on the blessings of this month of Ramadan. Following the Eid prayers Muslims will traditionally meet one another offering the greeting of Eid Mubarak which means Blessed Festival. During the Eid celebrations people will wear new clothes and visit family and friends and exchange gifts.
• Further information about Eid ul Fitr can be found in the Muslim Council of Britain - Ramadan 2023 information (pages 19 and 20).

Students and staff usually take individual responsibility for managing their commitment to Ramadan (this may vary due to health and other personal circumstances). Managers, colleagues and staff supporting students are advised to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and understanding in enabling students and staff to manage their Ramadan commitment.

Practical support

To encourage inclusivity, please consider the following practical points:

• Flexible working: members of staff and students may request flexibility around their study, research or working arrangements, for example, to work shorter days or working weeks during Ramadan and you may wish to manage this as part of creation of rotas for your team’s working pattern (where appropriate).
• Breaks: members of staff and students observing Ramadan are encouraged to take regular breaks for rest and prayer/ reflection..
• Prayers: students and members of staff may wish to offer prayers during the day (there may be up to two prayers that may impact upon the timings of a working or studying day). 
  • Prayer rooms on campus
• Annual leave:  There will also be leave requests, so members of staff/students can observe Ramadan or celebrate Eid at home.  
• Meetings and events: meeting organisers may wish to consider timing over this period to enable as many students or members of staff as possible to participate (for example reducing the timings of a meeting to 50 minutes or allocating a short break for longer meetings)
• Normalising conversations: members of staff and students may give advance notice that they will be fasting to a manager, academic supervisor or colleagues. They might also want to share their own Ramadan journeys with colleagues by having a conversation or sharing what they are doing for it, what food they are preparing, and what the month means for them.

Support information and facilities

Student catering arrangements

If you're observing Ramadan, this may affect the times that you want to collect your meals from Catered Accommodation, College Nights or Meals in Advance. Please complete our Ramadan meals form and we will contact you to make alternative arrangements that better suit your needs.

• Muslim Council of Britain - Ramadan 2023 information
• University of York Islamic Society 
• York Mosque (Bull Lane, YO10 3EN)
• Prayer rooms on campus

Support for students 

• University of York Islamic Society (ISOC) 

Support for staff

• Staff Race Equality Forum (SREF)