The reality of Ramadan: balancing faith and fatigue

In the month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion. However, for most BracU students it has become a period of academic stress, trying to keep up with religious responsibilities, course deadlines, and quizzes with midterms fast approaching. Balancing fasting, prayers, and studies may feel overwhelming, especially with fluctuating energy levels and disrupted sleep schedules.

Many students have taken to social media to criticize the university authorities and demand that classes be moved online to ease their struggles with commuting long distances. For most, attending 8 AM classes has meant sacrificing sleep to be on time. Others have pointed out that the unbearable traffic has reached a new height, forcing students to break their fasts on the road. Areebah Mahasin (Sophomore, MNS) with classes 6 days a week says, “The hardest part is definitely the commute, I am so drained at the end of every day.” Another student remarked that having midterms fall on the last 10 days of Ramadan is inconsiderate towards students’ wellbeing, and authorities doing this so that the semester ends on time. Unfortunately, even as thousands of students continue to persevere, a productive solution does not seem to be in sight. 

So to make the best of the situation, try to get small tasks out of the way throughout the day and focus on sizable lectures or assignments when you are well-rested. Lastly, remember that Ramadan is a time of self-improvement so every challenge you overcome is a show of resilience and determination.