By: Jamal, Campus Arabia Contributor
Challenges during Ramadan and how Students Cope with it
During the blessed time of Ramadan around 1.6 billion Muslims around the world observe a month-long fast. It is considered the holiest month since it was when the first chapters of Qur’an was revealed. This is the second year Ramadan is being observed by many during an unprecedented pandemic – this year it begins from 12 April until 12 May 2021.
Many able to abstain from physical pleasures and instead fast from morning to evening - devoting time for prayer (salat) to become closer to God. It is also a time for families to gather and celebrate together.
With the challenges of exposure to Covid-19, lockdowns, physical & economic aspects, social distancing, online classes adding even a whole set of challenges to fasting during Ramadan. It is surely a welcome relief that government vaccination campaigns around the world are starting to gain momentum!
Most students in the kingdom and around the region continued Online or hybrid classes, though some even resumed limited in-face classes. Despite the unusual circumstances we all face – we all try to find a way to thrive. Here are some replies from students when we asked them how they are adapting during this time:
Online Exams & Classes
“In this severe pandemic I have faced many challenges in studying for my exams it was so hard for me to adapt to online education specially now during Ramadan… I changed my daily routine, studying after the Iftar time while drinking coffee and some other stuff to stay awake during my studies. Somehow, I manage to participate in our Professor lectures and Inshallah it will help me in achieving good marks in addition to our making our exams grade.”
- Hamzaa H
“The challenges that I faced in Ramadan are exciting despite the Corona pandemic. The exam was at the university campus and my attendance, but I was trying to control my focus during fasting and on studying more at breakfast time.”
- Rashed
“For me, the exams are getting easier and we have a lot of time to study. I guess some students might think of cheating, if the exam was physics or math, which is why you have to study hard. During online classes, when I don't get the whole idea, I can't easily ask the teacher about what I didn't understand. So, I stay silent to not make my classmates confused by my questions.”
- Hamad
“Gladly, studying during Ramadan in the pandemic is not a problem for me because I already study at very late hours at night and I can still focus during the daytime. I got many challenges on when is the best time for studying — is it while fasting or after Iftar to Suhoor during online classes. I am trying to find time for studying, sleeping, helping my mother in the house in a very specific duration due to online classes times.
- Mohamad S
Religious Traditions
“For me, the biggest challenge is my inability to go to pray in a mosque due to the presence of Corona virus, and this is not possible to deal with.”
- Saja
“First, there is no longer charity this Ramadan, because inviting people to eat iftar is considered charity and helping people in general. So what many people are doing is sending money or delivery to others and some people are giving out money to companies that are specialized for that. Second thing we have been banned from praying at mosques, there is also a special prayer that muslims do during Ramadan (taraweh) - So people are praying from home now. And in general gatherings where people do good and pray together is a lovable and preferred thing but now everyone is staying safe.”
- Marlina
“I think that Ramadan is helping in decreasing the rates of mixing with people especially that there are no gatherings due to the Prime Ministers’ decisions. On the other hand, all Muslims were stopped from praying Tarawneh at the mosques. We are trying to cope with these decisions by praying at home and doing all the traditional prayers.”
- Basma
“The Taraweih prayer we have to perform at home but it is more beautiful in the masjed as we feel more near to God. And the last thing the shopping for buying Eid clothes after. The Taraweih prayer is the most beautiful thing for me but now we will go to shopping during fast time and not enjoyable for me…”
- Mais
“Can't go to the mosque to worship with my Muslim brothers and sisters at night. So I can only choose to worship with a few friends around me.”
- Aesha
Family Traditions
“Some challenges are dealing with family visits using online platforms during Ramadan- even internet connections have to be good. I need to be good in managing nighttime activities (between futoor and suhoor) with normal day activities.”
- Rami
“All Jordanians are suffering from the restrictions that were put by the government, the curfew, and the reduction of the allowance hours to hang out. Specially in Ramadan, the situation is more challenging, Muslims are fasting during the day and after Iftar, they cannot go out or shop because of the quarantine. However, we try to deal with this situation by spending the time with our families and to enjoy.”
- Afnan
“The biggest challenge for me this Ramadan is not being able to leave the house after curfew hours, whenever I need something, I have to go out and buy it before Iftar time, which always leaves me feeling tired.”
- Mohamad S
“Its fine, Alhamdulillah! But really, the days are a little bit hard with the lockdown, the fasting, the things to do during my engagement and work also - All together, it’s really challenging!”
- Yara
“Ummm… psychological thingies, because of the quarantine, we can't gather at all with family and friends, we can't go out to enjoy Ramadan Nights, we can't have Suhoor out, so most of the things that we used to do in Ramadan aren't available anymore.”
- Aya
“Many things have changed, but the most challenging thing is the quarantine at Iftar time and after - that is so bad. In the past Ramadan – I can go and see the Ramadan vibes outside and may eat the Sohour out also. In addition, I can eat Iftar out or in my relative’s house. I try to do a lot and help at home but the past vibes is more favorable for me.”
- Mais
Working & available Opportunities
“It is a challenge for me to be a working student in this pandemic, I need resources but resources are hard to come by, it is hard to make ends meet. This Ramadan, I was looking forward to just take time to rest and read the Quran. Since this month is a time to devote reading it and doing all good works. This month of happy memories is somehow shadowed by sadness, fear and stress… it is hard but Alhamdulilah I will make it.”
- Mohd Saif
“The pandemic affects everyone negatively. I just graduated and I want to start teaching English at schools but the opportunities at school is closed… for studying challenges during Ramadan – I try to schedule my day so I have enough energy to review and maybe prepare some study materials.”
- Hamza M
The varied challenges these students experience during this month of Ramadan while still in a worldwide pandemic is truly something unprecedented. While researching what are particular challenges most students face - I found an article online that offers practical tips by author Liz Baughen that can help students observing this month of Ramadan.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/news/2021/apr
https://www.statista.com/topics/3796/ramadan-2017/
Thanks to all who participated and shared their experience and insights!