Ramadan 2026
16 Feb 2026
Ramadan Mubarak to our colleagues, students and community!
Ramadan is a holy month, observed by Muslims all over the world as a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. This year, it’s expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17th February or Wednesday 18th February, depending on the moon sighting. During Ramadan, many Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours, breaking their fast at sunset with a meal known as ‘Iftar’.
Greetings of ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ or ‘Ramadan Kareem’, meaning blessed or happy Ramadan, are spoken throughout the month.
Ramadan Guidance
Colleagues and students observing Ramadan may experience additional challenges during this time. The university can support you:
- Access our guidance here, for supporting yourself and/or colleagues.
- Access our student guidance here, pulled together by our Muslim Chaplain and students as part of our Islamic Society.
- Reach out to our Muslim Chaplain, Mohammed Ullah, who is based in the Mcdougall Prayer Hall, the Muslim prayer space at our university. He is available for any advice or concerns.
- Use our interactive map to find prayer and contemplation spaces on campus. There will also be dedicated prayer space in Coupland 1 Room G.25 Thouless for the duration of Ramadan.
Message from our Muslim Chaplain, Mohammed Ullah:
"Welcome to the Blessed Month of Ramadan! I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt well wishes to all colleagues and students observing this sacred time. Ramadan Mubarak to you and your loved ones.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a sacred time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. It nurtures self-discipline, compassion, gratitude, and spiritual renewal, encouraging us to deepen our concern for those in need and for the Muslim to be more God conscious.
Across our campuses, many will be fasting while continuing their academic and professional responsibilities. You may notice adjustments to schedules or prayer breaks; your understanding and kindness during this month are deeply appreciated and reflect our shared values of respect and support.
I pray that this month brings peace, wellbeing, and success to all, and strengthens the spirit of unity and compassion within our university community”
Blog: What Ramadan means to me
Fatima Malik, Lecturer of Optometry in FBMH, reflects on what this holy time means to her, comparing it to a month-long ‘spiritual retreat’ between campus, home, and a few of her favourite local mosques.
Further resources
- Evidence-based guide for educators in the UK: Creating an inclusive approach to teaching and learning during Ramadan
- PDF Resources that can be used to celebrate and raise awareness of Ramadan and Eid
- Get in touch with our wider Multi-faith chaplaincy team
- Our colleague networks are a great way to connect with the wider community, including our Muslim Network.
- If during this celebratory time, you find yourself away from friends and family and in need of support, our university wellbeing resources are available for both colleagues and students.