As Ramadan begins, Muslim students at BYU navigate the challenges and joys of observing the holy month while balancing academics, faith and campus life.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, has been observed for over 1,400 years. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad and is considered a time of self-discipline, reflection and devotion to God.
Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset, engaging in increased prayer, acts of charity and reading the Quran. The fast is broken each evening with iftar, a meal often shared with family and community members.
For Mohammad Hameed, president of the BYU Muslim Student Union, fasting has been a lifelong practice. He finds that Ramadan helps him focus better, despite the difficulties of adjusting his sleep schedule throughout the month.
“The worst thing about it is the sleep schedule,” Hameed said. “We wake up very early to eat before dawn, then go to class, pray and continue the day. But the balance is manageable as long as I stay focused.”
One of the biggest challenges for Muslim students at BYU is access to halal food. Tasfia Mahjarin, a master’s student in civil engineering from Bangladesh, noted the difficulty of finding halal meat in Provo.
“The only halal food I can find nearby is in Salt Lake City,” Mahjarin said. “During Ramadan, fasting for 12 or 13 hours and then having to travel far for proper food is exhausting.”
Despite these challenges, many Muslim students feel a sense of belonging at BYU. BYUSA Executive Vice President Tala Alnasser expressed appreciation for the university’s accommodations.
“BYU does a great job recognizing the importance of religion in students’ lives,” Alnasser said. “Unlike other universities that simply don’t interfere with religious practices, BYU actively accommodates students, which is invaluable.”
The faith-building aspect of Ramadan is a central theme for many students. Mahjarin described how the month strengthens her ability to remain patient and positive, even in difficult situations.
“In life, we all go through ups and downs,” Mahjarin said. “But Islam teaches us that even when something bad happens, there’s something good ahead. We must hold onto patience, or ‘sabr.’ This mindset helps me stay motivated, no matter what challenges come my way.”
For her, fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food but about cultivating inner peace and strengthening her connection with God.
“During Ramadan, we pray more, read the Quran more and focus on doing good deeds,” Mahjarin said. “It’s a time to refocus on what truly matters and strive to be a better person.”
The Muslim Student Union has been pivotal in fostering a sense of community. Every year, the organization hosts an iftar, the meal to break the fast.
“The theme of Ramadan is gathering with family and sharing food,” Hameed said. “We don’t get to do that every day as international students, so we created an event to bring people together. Last year, it was the biggest in Utah.”
About 500 people have registered to attend this year’s Iftar on March 13.
Non-Muslim students have also shown solidarity by participating in fasting. Alnasser shared that some of her co-workers at BYU’s Office of Belonging joined her in fasting for a day, and some even committed to the full month.
“It enriched our friendship,” Alnasser said. “Connecting with someone through something sacred to them is special.”
For many Muslim students, Ramadan extends beyond abstaining from food and water. Alnasser emphasized that it’s also a spiritual and emotional fast, encouraging self-discipline, service and a deeper connection with God.
“We refrain from distractions, engage in uplifting activities and focus on gratitude,” Alnasser said.
While Ramadan at BYU comes with adjustments, the students agree that their faith is strengthened through perseverance, community and the support of those around them. Through their experiences, they hope to foster greater interfaith understanding.
“I urge people to take the step to learn about Ramadan,” Hameed said. “We love sharing our faith and answering questions. BYU students have been open to learning, and that’s something I truly appreciate.”