Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar for Muslims. During this month, Muslims participate in fasting across the globe. During their fast, they abstain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset. The month focuses on virtuous deeds and strengthening one’s spiritual connection. Here is a glimpse into a day in my life during Ramadan as a UCLA student balancing school, work and fasting.
I begin my day at 5:45 a.m. for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins. For me, suhoor is relatively simple, consisting of two eggs and toast, along with an orange and a glass of water to keep me hydrated. After that, I complete the morning prayer and study some Quran verses. I then go back to sleep for about an hour and a half until my classes begin.
I get up again, leaving time to get ready for my 8 a.m. class. After attending class, I go about my day like any regular day – just without my usual coffee or snacks. During Ramadan, it’s important for me to listen to my body and pace myself accordingly. After class I clock-in for my shift for my on-campus job.
Throughout the day, I also complete my mid-day Dhuhr and Asr prayers. These moments help me refocus on what’s important during Ramadan and ground myself between lectures, studying and the chaos of each day. They help hold me accountable and bring me back to the true essence of this month.
Once I complete my shift, I often head back for a mid-day nap. Naps feel essential during the day, so that I can conserve my energy for the rest of the night and focus later on in the day. As sunset approaches at around 7 p.m., I start getting ready for Iftar: the meal held at sunset, concluding the fast. At UCLA, the Muslim Student Association hosts iftars each night throughout the week Monday through Thursday. These gatherings foster a sense of community and bring Muslims on campus together.
Conversations are shared over these meals, and it truly helps keep the spirit of Ramadan alive. After the fast, the final prayer of the day, Isha, is held in congregation alongside night prayers called Taraweeh.
Once the prayers have concluded, I return to either my apartment or the library to get the rest of my studying done. Personally, I find that I study best after opening my fast, so I save most of my work for the evening. I usually go out to grab a coffee or a sweet treat after iftar to fuel my studying.
Ramadan has made each night feel lively and community-oriented. Another student at UCLA, Fizza Khan, a third-year psychobiology transfer student, shared, “I’m grateful to be a part of the Muslim community at UCLA, it really helps make Ramadan feel special.” Many students like Khan feel that the Muslim Student Association helps strengthen a deeper sense of connection and belonging.
It can be difficult to manage Ramadan while balancing academics, work, studying and fasting. However, the discipline and spirituality of the month makes the experience deeply meaningful. For Muslims across the world, Ramadan brings them closer to their faith and their community, making the experience even more impactful.
