Ramadan is an annual sacred period of spiritual renewal and purification for Muslims and involves nightly extended prayers, deep personal reflection, Qur\u2019anic reading (from cover to cover), charitable acts, and community festivities. The Qur\u2019an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the month of Ramadan. Muslims are used to observing Ramadan with their families and communities, so observant students away from home can experience feelings of vulnerability and isolation. Ramadan can also bring on fatigue and stress, which can be challenging to our students.<\/p>\n

Community Support for Observants<\/strong><\/p>\n

The CRSL seeks to make extra efforts to respond to student needs by taking steps to validate, acknowledge and normalize Muslim practices. We regularly seek information through surveys and conversations about students\u2019 hopes and needs. Community iftars (breaking of the fast with an evening meal) both on campus and as part of the larger Muslim community are a critical way to support the wellbeing of students observing Ramadan. CRSL and several other Smith departments and centers host iftars and students are encouraged to cook their meals together when they are able.<\/p>\n

Sometimes students may need to request religious considerations from faculty by way of an absence from class or an extension on an assignment and\/or exam. Some students from minority Muslim sects undergo an intensive practice of grief and mourning during Ramadan that adds an additional emotional component to the time period. These students may attend observances at more distant mosques which may require more time for travel. Additionally, it\u2019s important to note that some students who do not \u201cvisibly\u201d identify as Muslim, celebrate the month of Ramadan and need support during this sacred time.<\/p>\n

At the end of Ramadan students may request taking time off to attend the culmination of Ramadan, the Eid celebration, which includes morning prayers at the mosque, a festive community meal, and often other planned events.<\/p>\n

We cannot emphasize enough how much students appreciate the support they receive from staff and faculty during Ramadan and small considerations can make a tremendous difference to how students experience this holy time. For some students this may be the first time they are responsible for all the details of their Ramadan experience. CRSL reinforces with students the importance of planning ahead and whenever possible providing their professors and supervisors with as much advance notice as possible if a consideration is needed.<\/p>\n

Student Request Form<\/strong><\/p>\n

If a student makes a request that you, as faculty or staff, would like to consult the CRSL on how to best address, you can notify us here:\u00a0https:\/\/forms.gle\/TnNjZxRptYq5CrdH9<\/a><\/p>\n

We want to reiterate that the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life is here for you to consult with on any issues or questions about Ramadan or any of the upcoming religious holidays. We also encourage you to contact the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life directly if you need support to decide on a religious consideration.<\/p>\n

Lastly, we are using this time as an opportunity to follow up on the email from the Provost and Dean of the College sent to faculty and staff regarding religious observances. Below you will find a link to Smith\u2019s Interfaith Religious Calendar so you can have access to important information about religious observances:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1vP2V7y3RcdXqLaPyZLs96jEQU4TOPmAmTarrgT8zKf0\/edit#gid=516717158<\/a><\/p>\n

This calendar can be added to your personal calendar by emailing Kim Alston at kalston@smith.edu<\/a> and can serve as an excellent resource for religious observances.<\/p>\n

Ramadan Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n

To learn more about Ramadan, go to the links below:<\/p>\n

Ramadan Smith webpage:\u00a0\u00a0https:\/\/www.smith.edu\/about-smith\/dining-services\/special-diets\/ramadan<\/a><\/p>\n

Recording\u00a0of the CRSL\u2019s\u00a0Ramadan\u00a0Awareness Workshop from 2023, with talks by Smith Students and Muslim Leaders from\u00a0Hartford International University<\/a> and\u00a0Williams College<\/a>), entitled\u00a0Deeds That Are Beloved to Allah During Ramadan.<\/p>\n

Ramadan Tips\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We also encourage you to reflect on tips written by our Muslim students for faculty and staff, which include six ways that you can better support students during Ramadan.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Make your accommodations clear from the beginning of the semester and allow space for students to approach you if they require accommodations (such as, extensions and recorded lectures)<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Be flexible, patient and understanding with students. Allow for more office hours and\u00a0more opportunities for students to reach out for help<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Be patient and understanding with students participating in Ramadan<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Provide opportunities for students to connect with you (late office hours are great)<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Acknowledge that energy levels will not be high \u2013 keep this in mind for student workers, researchers, and presenters and all Muslim students in general<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Provide to-go containers if events with food are hosted<\/p>\n