On the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, or Saturday, March 1, 2025 -depending on the sighting of the moon – the month of Ramadan is set to begin. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the holiest month in Islamic culture. For the past three years, I have been celebrating this month away from home and the absence of that warmth left me feeling lonely. I soon realised that this is the case for many students abroad. So, whether you are observing this holy month, a friend looking to support those who are fasting, or simply someone eager to learn more about Ramadan, I’m happy to share tips and advice to help you prepare!

Find Friends to Celebrate Ramadan with and Create a “Ramadan Roulette”:

One of the things students abroad tend to miss most during Ramadan is the sense of community. I found it incredibly helpful to create a group chat with all my friends who are observing the month – even those I may not see often. Last year, we came up with the concept of a Ramadan roulette. The idea is simple: each week (or even daily), participants take turns either hosting iftar – the meal to break the fast – or suggesting a restaurant for the group to try. What I loved most about this tradition was how it introduced me to traditional dishes from different cultures, as my friends come from diverse international backgrounds.

Find Restaurants and Places Offering Iftar Specials:

If you’re looking for restaurants to break your fast, London has plenty to offer. As a multicultural city, it is home to a significant Muslim community – around 15% of Londoners are Muslim – giving an idea of how many people may be celebrating this holy month! Restaurants such as Souk, Tigerbay Hanger Lane, and Comptoir Libanais, as well as more laid-back options like Pizza Pilgrims, are halal-friendly, with some offering set iftar menus -perfect for those of us who struggle with indecision!  Even if your friends aren’t fasting, you can plan dinner around Maghrib prayer time and enjoy the meal together. Personally, whenever I know I’ll be dining out for iftar, I always pack a date to break my fast, bringing a touch of tradition to the moment.

Introduce Your Friends to Ramadan Traditions from Your Home Country:

Fasting for 30 days comes with its challenges – some days are harder than others. Life doesn’t pause for Ramadan; deadlines and responsibilities remain, and it can be frustrating to be in a festive headspace while the surrounding city continues as usual. I’ll admit it – there are days when I wake up dreading another day of fasting. But I’ve realised that if I lose sight of the deeper meaning behind this effort, I might as well not practice it at all. To break this cycle, I’ve found it both rewarding and comforting to talk about the religious and social significance of Ramadan. I love sharing fun facts with my friends about our customs and traditions. If you’re reading this during Ramadan, feel free to share a fun fact in the comments!

Donations and Good Deeds: 

Charity holds great significance during Ramadan, as good deeds are believed to bring multiplied rewards. However, charity isn’t limited to financial contributions – it also includes acts of kindness, volunteer work, and community support. Every year, before or during Ramadan, I take the time to do a full closet cleanout, donating anything that might be more useful to someone else. This practice not only helps those in need but also serves as a reminder to focus less on material possessions and more on gratitude for what we already have. A few years ago, my family started a “Good Deed a Day” tradition, which we’ve maintained ever since. Think of it as an advent calendar – but instead of receiving, you give. Each of us has a 30-day calendar with one good deed to complete each day. We either create our own or find one that aligns with our goals for the month. As always, Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for these calendars!

Find a routine that works for you:

From experience, I’ve learned that establishing a routine tailored to your well-being can make a huge difference. This routine doesn’t have to be rigid- just a sustainable lifestyle that helps you become the best version of yourself. A few years ago, I started organising my days around prayer times, and it was life-changing. Here’s how my typical day during Ramadan looks:

• After the morning prayer, I enjoy reading, learning more about my faith and getting some extra sleep before officially starting my day.
• After Dhuhr prayer, I focus on productivity, aiming to complete as much work as possible while my energy levels are still high.
• The time between Asr and Maghrib is the most challenging time for me, as hunger and fatigue start to take over. I’ve found that moderate exercise – such as walking, jogging, or Pilates – helps me manage this period. 
• At Maghrib, I break my fast with a date and a glass of water, then pray before sitting down for a proper, nutritious meal. This prevents me from overeating or reaching for foods that offer only short-term satisfaction, like salty or fried foods.
• After Iftar – I unwind, rest, and enjoy some TV, which is completely okay!
• After Isha prayer – I catch up on any remaining work now that my energy has returned and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. I also like taking a short walk to aid digestion.
• For Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) – I’ve found that going to bed early and waking up for Suhoor (instead of staying up until dawn) helps me recharge properly and feel more refreshed for the next day.

Now that I shared everything I have found useful in my own experience, I look forward to hearing about your tips and tricks. In the meantime, I wish you all a blessed and peaceful month !