Blog: Why community on campus during Ramadan matters more than you think

Written by Muhammad Abubakr Rabbani

Hi, I’m a final year, econ and politics student at the University of Birmingham (UoB), and I observe Ramadan. If you’re fasting too, you’ll know the vibes: some days you feel super productive, other days you’re running on pure dua and determination. If you’re not Muslim, you might be thinking… how does anyone do uni like this?

For me, the real answer is simple: community makes Ramadan on campus feel doable, warm, and genuinely uplifting.

Quick Ramadan terms (so we’re all on the same page)

Ramadan: the ninth month in the Islamic calendar when many Muslims fast and focus on worship, self-discipline and charity.
Fasting (sawm): no food or drink from dawn to sunset.
Suhoor: the meal you eat before dawn to prepare for the fast.
Iftar: the meal you have at sunset to break the fast (often with dates and water).
Taraweeh: special night prayers in Ramadan, usually prayed in congregation.

1) You don’t have to “power through” alone

University life can already feel intense. Add long lectures, deadlines, group work, and then fasting on top… it’s a lot. What helps is having people around you who get it.

Sometimes community is big (like a regular iftar in Bramall music building organised by UoB's Islamic Society, and sometimes it’s small:

a friend saving you a seat in the library
a housemate being quiet while you pray
someone walking back with you after an evening event
even a quick “how’s your fast going?” message

That small support turns Ramadan from “survival mode” into something you can actually enjoy.

2) Iftar on campus hits different

There’s something about breaking your fast with other people during Isoc’s regular iftar that just feels wholesome. You’ve all been hungry and thirsty all day, you’re all waiting for that exact moment, and then suddenly… you’re eating together and chatting like you’ve known each other forever.

Even if you’re not fasting, coming along to an iftar can be a really lovely way to connect with people and learn more. You don’t need to know what to do — just show up with good vibes and curiosity.

3) It makes campus feel like home

For a lot of students (especially international students or anyone far from family), Ramadan can feel a bit emotional. You miss familiar routines, family iftars, and that “Ramadan atmosphere” back home.

Community on campus recreates that feeling:

shared prayers
shared food
shared late-night walks and deep talks
and honestly… shared tiredness

It reminds you that you belong here — not just academically, but socially and spiritually too.

4) How you can support Muslim students (if you’re not fasting)

You don’t need to do anything major. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way:

Be mindful around sunset: that’s when people are trying to get to iftar or break their fast.
Be flexible with plans: earlier meetups can be easier than evening ones during iftar time.
Ask questions respectfully: most people are happy to explain — just don’t turn it into an interrogation!
If you’re invited to iftar, go: it’s a free friendship upgrade (as well as free food).

Final thought

Ramadan is personal, but it’s also deeply communal. On campus, community is what turns a hard day into a meaningful one — and it can be as simple as sharing food, time, and kindness.

If you’ve ever been curious, this is your sign: join an iftar, ask a friend about Ramadan, or just be that person who makes someone’s day easier.