Successful Study at MDX Dubai During Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem from Middlesex University Dubai to everyone observing this year! 

Dubai is a multicultural city with many different cultures, celebrations and religions, however the UAE is a Muslim country first and foremost, meaning the country celebrates Ramadan every year. 

For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest months in Islam. Ramadan is practiced with fasting, prayer and worship, charity, spiritual reflection and s#elf-discipline. As the lunar calendar is different to the Gregorian calendar, the date of Ramadan is different every year. 

This religious practice requires a lot of energy, and that can pose challenges when trying to maintain effective study hours. Our recommendations below may help ensure you get the best out of your studies this Ramadan. 

Read on for our key advice on how to keep your studies on track during the holy month, and how you can support your classmates and friends during this time.

Here are our top tips for studying over Ramadan:

Check your amended timetables

During Ramadan, working hours are reduced for everyone in the UAE, which will include your university staff and faculty. Your class hours will be changed to allow more time in the afternoons for those who are fasting and want to pray. The new Ramadan hours will have been reflected on your MDX app, and you can check here for campus opening hour updates. Make sure you check frequently to avoid any unnecessary travel.

Create a Structured Schedule

If you’re fasting, plan your study times around your energy levels. You’ll likely have more energy after Iftar (the evening meal to break your fast), so plan to do more intensive study during the evening and night. Use early mornings for light study. After Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), your body might be awake and alert, but still tired. This could be a good time for reviewing notes or doing lighter study. Divide your study into smaller chunks. This can help you stay focused and avoid exhaustion. Break long study sessions into manageable blocks, followed by short breaks.

Prioritise Important Tasks

Tackle the most difficult tasks first. If you have a subject that requires more concentration or is more complex, try to do it when you feel your mind is fresher — typically after Iftar or before Maghrib. Set realistic goals. During Ramadan, it's important to be mindful of your physical and spiritual well-being, so make sure your study goals are achievable and don't overwhelm you.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Meals

Eat a balanced Suhoor and Iftar. The foods you consume during these meals will impact your energy levels throughout the day. Choose foods that provide long-lasting energy, like whole grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid sugary or overly salty foods that can cause energy crashes. Drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours. Staying hydrated is crucial, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water after Iftar and before Suhoor.

Stay Organised and Manage Distractions

Organise your study materials in advance. A well-organised study environment will make your study time more efficient and effective. Limit distractions. Whether it’s social media, noise, or other distractions, try to minimise them during your study sessions. Consider using apps that block distractions or designate a quiet space for studying.

Listen to Your Body

Rest when needed. It’s important to listen to your body during Ramadan. If you’re feeling fatigued, it’s okay to take a short nap or rest for a while. This will help you maintain your focus and energy. Be flexible. If you’re finding it hard to concentrate, take a break, pray, or even relax for a bit. Ramadan requires you to be adaptable and kind to yourself, especially when managing both academic and spiritual commitments.

Study with a Group (Virtually or in Person)

Join study groups. Sometimes studying with friends or classmates can help keep you motivated, especially during Ramadan when you may feel more connected to others. You can plan to study together after Iftar or in the evening.

Study at a desk, not a bed or sofa

It may be tempting to drift off to sleep if you set up your study space somewhere too cozy. Spending study time at a dedicated desk removes distractions, and lets you focus. You can move to your bed to sleep properly and get some good rest afterwards! 

How can you support your classmates who are fasting? 

Respecting the Fast

Be mindful of meal times. Be considerate by avoiding eating or drinking in front of your fasting classmates during fasting hours, especially in social settings. Plan meals together. Friends can invite you to Iftar gatherings and ensure the meals are planned around your fasting schedule, so you don’t feel left out. If you have friends who are fasting, consider avoiding the food court and choosing a new place to spend some downtime together. This year, iftar is expected to fall at around 6:25pm. This is when people who are fasting can break their fast, and eat for the first time that day. 

Offering Encouragement and Positivity

Encourage growth. Talk to your friends and classmates about the significance of Ramadan, share inspirational thoughts, and motivate each other to stay focused on the goals of the month, like prayer and reflection. Celebrate small achievements. Whether it’s sticking to a prayer routine or accomplishing a study goal, friends can celebrate these wins together, reinforcing a positive attitude.

Planning Fun, Fast-Friendly Activities

Organise Iftar gatherings. Friends can come together to prepare and enjoy Iftar meals, making it a time of bonding and joy. Engage in light, Ramadan-friendly activities. You can organise activities like board games, watching a lecture, or having deep, reflective conversations after Iftar. Limit the amount of expectations you have on your classmates or friends around this time of the evening – they will be busy! 

Being Flexible and Respectful

Be supportive, patient and understanding. Ramadan can sometimes affect people’s moods due to hunger or fatigue, so friends should be patient and understanding, offering support without pressure. Keep things like smoking or vaping private and off campus. It is also always recommended to observe more modest dressing during this month and refrain from swearing. 

Remember to embrace Ramadan and enjoy special time with your family and/or loved ones during this month. By planning ahead and making small adjustments to your study routine, you can successfully manage both your academic goals and your spiritual practice during Ramadan.