Wishing all our Muslim staff, students and friends a blessed Ramadan

About Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and its start is based on the sighting of the new moon. It is called the month of the Qur'an because Muslims believe the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during this time. Ramadan is a sacred month for reflection and fasting, with a focus on doing good deeds. The start of the fast is at dawn and is called Suhoor, and the meal that breaks the fast each day is called Iftar, held at sunset. Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid Al-Fitr, a time of celebration taking place over 3 days.

In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of 1^st or 2^nd March and will conclude on the evening of 30^th or 31st March, with the exact dates depending on which masjid you follow.  A timetable for Ramadan is available from Madina Masjid Sheffield.

Approximately 15% of our students, and 4% of our staff are Muslim, and most will fast every day during Ramadan while managing their studies or work.  During this time Muslim colleagues, students, peers, friends and family may be abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset.  Be conscious that energy levels may dip towards the end of the day, so please be kind and considerate.

Prayer spaces

Our Multifaith Chaplaincy offers several spaces to pray for staff, students and those visiting campus, as well as regular organised events for different faiths and beliefs. The Multifaith Centre on Level 2 of the Owen Building has a quiet space designated for prayer and meditation, male and female prayer rooms, and multi-purpose meeting space. There are also male and female prayer rooms in Adsetts library.

At Collegiate Campus there are male and female prayer rooms on Level 1 Oaklands and in the Robert Winston Building, F600 and F615. There are Wudu facilities in the toilets adjacent to all of the prayer rooms.

Booking a prayer space as a staff member or student

We appreciate that it is not always easy for students and staff to get to the Multifaith Centre or designated prayer rooms for prayers, so please do check Resource Booker or use My Timetable to check rooms and student study spaces you can book.  Rooms have been specially allocated for use during Ramadan, these can be booked through Resource Booker (Ramadan Rooms), and can be booked up to 10 days in advance, for bookings of up to 2 hours.

Fasting and Support

The NHS have produced a helpful Ramadan Health Guide, which is a useful resource for anyone wanting to know more about fasting during Ramadan.  It includes information about the physiological changes that occur when fasting, foods that are beneficial, and frequently asked questions.

For staff and students on campus, two Ramadan Friendly Spaces are available for those who are fasting.  These areas allow for socialising without food and drink and can be identified by these posters (PDF, 987.4KB).  The spaces are on Level 2 of Heart of the Campus at Collegiate, and Level 4 of the Atrium at City campus.

Here are some useful links to locations of shops, gyms and places of support available in Sheffield which may be helpful whilst observing Ramadan: 

- Food shops
- Halal places to eat
- Islamic stores
- Gyms
- Hijabi hair
- Masjids

Spiritual support, guidance and fellowship

The Muslim Welfare House in Sheffield is based in Broomhill. There are regular talks and spaces to connect and pray together.

Our Islamic Society is active and continues to meet regularly. Find out more by following them on Instagram and Facebook. 

The Islamic Society has recorded a short video for Ramadan, and this year they are hosting two open iftars, on 6th and 13th March, they will be in the Hubs. More information is on their Instagram page.

Ramadan considerations for Students

Students may request extensions to assessment deadlines during Ramadan in order to manage their energy levels during fasting, or to accommodate extra prayer. Any student who wishes to request an extension should contact Hallam Help or your Student Support Adviser as early as possible to discuss your requirements.

Academic and support staff are encouraged to demonstrate flexibility and understanding in line with the University’s Religious Equality and Extenuation and Extensions Policies, to support students who are managing their Ramadan commitments.

Example A: a teaching session is scheduled to finish after dusk, which is when Muslim students and staff will be breaking their fast.  A reasonable request to take a short break at dusk to eat and drink should be facilitated wherever possible.  It is suggested a proactive approach is taken and the entire class is scheduled to have a break to enable Muslim students and staff to break their fast.

Example B: a student has an assessment deadline due during Ramadan but due to fasting, changes to sleep patterns, and extra time for prayer, needs an extension to the assessment deadline.  Where possible, a request for an extension should be granted, and consideration given to the timing of assessments during Ramadan.

Ramadan considerations for Staff

Be considerate of Muslim colleagues when scheduling meetings or workshops during this period, to support them in balancing their energy levels or prayer patterns. If possible, identify a nearby quiet and private space to pray as many Muslims increase their worship during Ramadan.

Flexible working and annual leave may be required during this month so that Muslim colleagues can attend mosque, celebrate Eid or end the fast with their families.

Volunteering and donations

Ramadan is a time of giving, and you can speak to the Student Union volunteering team about opportunities to donate or volunteer.

“The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of people in charity, but he was generous to the utmost in the month of Ramadan…giving charity like the blowing wind.” - Sahih Muslim

Blessed Ramadan to all our Muslim staff, students and friends.