Muslim In preparation for Ramadan (expected Wednesday, March 22nd through Friday, April 21st), which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the Since the original creation, this guide has been edited to offer resources, both on and off campus, to support our students of the Muslim faith. The Five Pillars of Islam Places to pray and fast: The month of Ramadhan will be during the school year for several years to come. Source: Mohammed Huwais/AFP. Specific times will be available closer to the month. Managed by, 5 Ways to Support Muslim Employees During Ramadan, New Convert? This will help Muslim students to stay connected to their during Ramadan Here are several ways to support your students during the month of Ramadan: Distance learning: revisit deadlines and screen time. Eid usually begins at the night (think Christmas eve) followed by the actual day of Eid. At the end of the school year, public school students in grades 3-8 and high schoolmust take the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP). Sometimes you really have to sit down and have the hard, uncomfortable conversations [but] in the end; those conversations are worth it. Conversion linker cookie which persists Google Ads information in a first party cookie when the user lands on the site from an ad. Understand Islamic history in the Americas: While many Americans think that Islam is a new and recent religion on these shores, theres evidence that seafaring Muslims came and peacefully interacted with Native Americans before Columbus. Muslim students express their experiences during Ramadan Study For Exams During Ramadan Monitor students for additional support. An LDE spokesman said via email, If a student misses their specific schools testing dates because of religious reasons, they can make up the assessment during designated makeup days., Kids rather take the test with the group. Fasting will likely have an impact on energy levels, coupled with longer nights spent in community and worship. Or the mandatory fasting during Lent for Catholics. Ramadan is a month in which most Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Challenge:Although your Muslim students are encouraged to notice when they feel hungry or thirty throughout the day as part of their observances, sitting in a room filled with eating and aromas may be overwhelming. They could choose to do this quietly in their own space, or with a short walk. Seattle Times staff reporter. WebPrayer (salat).Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark. Like other Muslim parents, Arafat worried about the impact on education, especially around testing for her 14-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter who are in 8th and 10th grades, respectively. Ramadan is the month during which Muslims the world over will fast from sunrise to sunset. Typically, Ramadan is a time to focus on community, but the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how Muslim communities observe this month together. Muslim students It would also place them in a position where other students constantly ask them why they arent eating or drinking. This is a relaxing classroom management tool and could be considered as a permanent offering for your students. Ramadan However, it would be helpful if students are told that they have the option of sitting out or taking it easy during gym class. Due to different sleeping Muslim students can take tests and exams in Ramadan, however, it should be kept in mind that these are best administered earlier in the day when students might have more energy. Support Muslim Students It makes it difficult for me to say to my son that it is time for him to learn how to fast because I dont feel like the school environment is welcoming. 8 Tips to Support Muslim Students During Ramadan 4 min read Received this info from another nurse in my district and thought I'd pass it on. 2. Religious observance of this holiday would constitute an appropriate and expected reason for an excused absence from class. SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. In-person space is limited due to COVID-19 precautions, but there will also be a virtual option. Chaplains will coordinate prayer services, study groups and campus events for students. Specializes in School Nursing, Ambulatory Care, etc.. Has 13 years experience. "MSAs are built to support Muslim students in terms of their Photo by Zainab Chaudry/CAIR, Roby Chavez is a Communities Reporter for the PBS NewsHour out of New Orleans. If you have any questions about Ramadan and how to support students or staff. Teachers can make accommodations for practicing students, such as assigning a different task or project for students to complete that does not require them to do any strenuous work while theyre fasting. How to support Muslim students throughout Ramadan During this holy month, one of the hardest things that I often hear my Muslim students complain about is the lack of space and lack of understanding. We are worried that a request at the school level for religious accommodations will not be addressed or will be frowned upon.. Or it may simply be a case that the individual chooses not to fast. newsletter for analysis you wont find anywhereelse. Solution: If you are aware of Muslim students in your class, privately ask them what they would find supportive during Ramadan. It is perfectly acceptable, therefore, to wish someone a Happy Ramadan (or to use the Arabic greeting, Ramadan Mubarak, Blessed Ramadan). How to support Muslim students during Ramadan Thursday, Apr. "Not eating or drinking anything forlong hours does drain you.". Solution:If unavoidable, such as PE classes, have lower impact alternatives prepared or allow Muslim students to be quietly excused without any impact to their learning or drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. Non-Muslims can take this month as an exercise to practice good thoughts and see the Photo by Omar Al Saray/CAIR, In a 2016 report prepared by the Department of Justice, titled Combating Religious Discrimination Today: Final Report, the government said there is a need for ensuring that students have access to reasonable religious accommodations., The report also stated that the importance of individualized accommodations for religious beliefs, including excusal from school for religious holidays, religious clothing exceptions to school dress codes, and accommodations for prayer during the school day.. It demonstrates that they just dont care or that they are negligent or that they are not paying attention to a segment of their constituency. A time of spiritual reflection, students fast for thirty days, where they must abstain from eating from sunrise to sunset. Encourage them to come back For years, Muslim student associations have been working toward better inclusion on campus. The University of Rhode Islands Muslim Student Association (MSA) is working alongside the Academic Testing Center (ATC) to provide Muslim Students with accommodations during the month of Ramadan. Her advice to those not observing the holy month is to be aware that Ramadan is underway. Consider decorating your class for Ramadan. It is very tough; its quite embarrassing,, The LDE would not elaborate on what guidance, if any, they have provided to the states 1,303 public schools, LDE believes local school systems are best positioned to determine the necessary accommodations to meet the specific needs of its student body,. Due to different sleeping schedules, be mindful when scheduling assignments, deadlines and video calls. Students do not need to announce their faith or religious observances. 7, at noon. Communication. WebRamadan. In this article, we will highlight some ways teachers can help accommodate their Muslim students while they may be fasting. WebWellbeing Service International Support Service Ramadan Guidance for Students Many Muslim students will be fasting during Ramadan. Here are a few tips and ways to support Muslim students during Ramadan. 7, at noon. Colleges are trying to make campus life more Ramadan-friendly Some states have larger Muslim populations than others and therefore in some cases, a student may be the only Muslim in the class. The concessions that we request are simple and reasonable accommodations. How to support Muslim students during Ramadan Thursday, Apr. Some students have grades deducted due to their lack of participation during Ramadan. Muslims are a minority in the United States. Challenge:Fasting can have significant impact on the body. Ramadan Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam the principles that Muslims follow and carries great significance during the holy month. Of course, its then up to the student whether they choose to go there or not, but having that as an option, even for students who are not fasting, is usually beneficial. Muslims (generally) stand, kneel and/or sit during prayer. Ramadan is a month in the Islamic calendar when Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset. It is within a students right to practice their religion, while having the necessary conditions for them to succeed and achieve their best potential. Ramadan: How to exercise, eat and sleep well while fasting. It is revered as one of the holiest months of the year, and practicing Ramadan is considered fulfillment of one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Here are some ways to support students: Flexibility: Be adaptable with deadlines. Ramadan Avoid compulsory team lunches. With Ramadan coming up on March 22 and lasting until April 20, many Muslims are preparing for nearly a month of fasting and nightly prayer. Women during their days of menstruation do not fast. The findings show that 40 percent of Muslims in the U.S. have school-age children, a significantly higher percentage than other faith groups save for Catholics, who are the next highest at 35 percent. However, Muslim students may be more aware of loss, grief and feelings of loneliness during Ramadan. Space: Lunchtime is probably one of the most difficult periods to endurewhile fasting. The Missouri chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations hoped to answer that question with a new educators guide to Ramadan and accommodating Muslim students released earlier in May. Assuring Muslim Students COVID-19 *adapted from Kirstin Kelley, 9 Ways to Support Students During Ramadan, and Allana Akhtar and Marguerite Ward, How to support your Muslim coworkers who are fasting during Ramadan.. Ramadan Guidance for Students - University of Bath This may be due to physical or mental health reasons. While food can still be an element of these celebrations, consider ways of making it less of the main event in order to make it more welcoming to Muslim participants who will be fasting. Muslims are expected to refrain from gossip, judgmental or negative thoughts toward others and to redirect any unconstructive or spiritually harmful thoughts back toward a focus on the remembrance of God and worship. By. These cookies are critical for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. WebAcknowledge Ramadan and. This year, Muslims in the U.S. began observing Ramadan on May 6, and for many it involves sawm, or fasting.The Eid al-Fitr holiday to celebrate breaking the fast will fall between June 3 and 5. This year, Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, May 15, when many schools have yet to finish for the It would be best to accommodate the student by providing them the option of staying in a different space such as the library or classroom. Encourage them to come back to you at any point with their realised suggestions as they go through this period; they dont need to answer immediately, if at all. Because of a lack of awareness and accommodations, Yazdi said her sixth-grader has had to put off an essential part of his identity as a Muslim. We had absolutely no accommodations. They dont want to see Last May, Reem Arafat decided to move to Aubrey, Texas, searching for better, At the end of the school year, public school students in grades 3-8 and high school. Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, marked at the start of the new moon during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Students gathering for Iftaar during Ramadan. @RobyChavez_504. In addition tolunch hour accommodations, Metro Nashville Public Schools' statement also touched on offering snacks during the standardized testing that happens to coincide with Ramadan this year. Ramadan Support Muslim Students During Ramadan Were not asking to push our faith on anyone. "This is really important, especially at a time where Muslims are being marginalized and dehumanized and misunderstood," Abdulla said. March 07, 2023. Children especially may want to play a fun sport during gym. In 2021, the Muslim population in Canada has risen to 4.9%. I feel like I am failing as a Muslim parent. 3:30 AM Thank you. She suggestsbeing mindful of people's lower energy levels andnot tomake food and drink a central part ofwork meetings. April 20, 2023 at 10:00 am. Its the first time Muslims can eat during daylight hours after fasting during Ramadan. And that is not fair., When asked about LDE guidance to schools on issues affecting Muslim students, including accommodations during Ramadan and parent complaints, an LDE spokesman would not elaborate and instead cited state law: Students whose religious faith requires absence for the observance of special and recognized holidays shall be granted an exemption from compulsory attendance. [The policy is designed to ensure Muslim students] have the right accommodations and support from teachers and their peers during the Ramadan period, the district department explained, calling schools to go out of their way to let students conduct their month-long Islamic rituals during Ramadan which started last week. How Colleges Can Support Students During Ramadan 31 Mar 2022. Fasting is not obligatory for children, until they reach of age. There is scholarly debate on what that age might be, though most scholars do recommend that fasting start when one reaches adolescence, anywhere from 13 and up. WebSo, can PE Lessons be inclusive during Ramadan? Eid. Were not asking for the Quran to be brought into the schools or to be read by anybody. Fasting during Ramadanis one of the five pillars of Islam. You can share well wishes with those observing Ramadan and learn more about the holy month. Please check your inbox to confirm. To accommodate students, Madina Academy has lowered the intensity of exercises in physical education classes for those who are fasting and made changes to the daily schedule for the month. Student Well-Being Kids Are Balancing Fasting and School During Ramadan. Muslim Interfaith Guide: Hosting A Muslim UW recognizes Ramadan as a Greetings for Ramadan . This annual test measures proficiency in English language arts, math, science, and social studies. There is definitely a lot of work to be done,, Across the state, in Lafayette, the public schools there have been slower to provide guidance or accommodations. WebIn the news Home Strategy 6 ways to support Muslim coworkers who are fasting during Ramadan Allana Akhtar and Marguerite Ward Updated Millions of Muslims around the School chaplains can come from any faith, and, according to Maytal Saltiel, president of the Association for Ramadan Hotjar cookie that is set when the customer first lands on a page with the Hotjar script. For those who want to learn more, several local resources exist, including mosques in Middle Tennessee as well as organizations like the American Muslim Advisory Council and the Faith & Culture Center. Muslim Students It usually occurs during Ramadan and, for 11th-graders, must be passed to graduate. Bayan Odehs 12- and 17-year-old sisters attend a public school in Gretna, a small city just outside of New Orleans. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Ramadan Though some students, like Rashad, will jump at the chance to teach their peers about Ramadan, Jaber cautioned against putting Muslim students on the spot. Challenge:Spiritual efforts are increased during Ramadan in order to reflect and turn towards God. How to support your Muslim friends during Ramadan Muslim Students During Ramadan Provide a quiet prayer space. We wish all the members of our Muslim community many blessings in this holy month. Hopefully, one day well make a breakthrough., Left: How is Nature a Proof of Gods Existence. While some people are very public about their religious practice, others prefer to keep their faith commitments private, especially if they have concerns about receiving unwanted attention or discrimination because of their religious identity. All healthy adults are expected to observe the fast. The less they complain, the better I feel, and my heart is reassured.. Ramadan Based on the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is set to Muslimsare sharing ways you cansupport them as they observe the holy month, including fasting from sun up to sundown, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Some Muslim students might have parents who are immigrants and cannot speak English well, or the parents may be intimidated to talk to the teacher. Ramadan Religious observers honor the month by fasting during daylight hours and devoting Support Muslim Continue to offer them support however they need. They dont like taking it alone or at a different date; days and weeks after the test prep and reviews are done, Ottallah said. Ramadan is a special time of the year for Muslims worldwide. Muslims SBS acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia. To accommodate students who would be fasting throughout the month of Ramadan, DineSLU proposed offering a Suhoor service. It is important to keep in mind that your students are getting their required nutrition and hydration after sundown so are safe, however asking them to partake in physically demanding activities may not be ideal for them. Solution:If you are aware of Muslim students in your class, privately ask them what they would find supportive during Ramadan. Preparing some lunchtime games or fun activities will allow them to feel like they are not missing anything. Supporting Muslim staff and students during Ramadan. Dear friends, Muslims around the world are now preparing the most beautiful month of the Islamic Calendar: Ramadan . Talking to your student, privately, or the class in general about Ramadan is a great start and would mean a lot to the students. Engage through childrens books. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a joyous celebration for Muslims. This could mean How to Support Muslim Students When Ramadan Overlaps with mkitina4 via Getty ImagesRamadan the Islamic month of fasting is set to begin on March 22, 2023. UW Muslim students say university fell short in supporting their needs during Muslim Holy Month. Wherever possible, students and employees should be granted leave from work and class obligations on Eid al-Fitr. It lasts about 30 days andcommemorates the Muslim belief thatGodrevealedthe teachings of the Quran to theProphet Muhammad. This is not okay. For the next four weeks, thousands of Muslims across the UK will be fasting during the daytime to mark Ramadan or Ramazan. Abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunsetis a spiritual practice, but it also can cause physical discomfort and fatigue. Roby Chavez The advice includes offering safe spaces for fasting students to be during lunch and allowing them to opt out of strenuous activities during gym class. The Muslim Council of Britain has published a Guide to Ramadan 2022 including advice around COVID-19, fasting and vaccinations, and maintaining physical and mental health during the Ramadan period. How to support Muslim students during Ramadan LDE believes local school systems are best positioned to determine the necessary accommodations to meet the specific needs of its student body, an LDE spokesperson told the NewsHour in an emailed statement. 10 ways to support our JCU students and colleagues who are CAIR-Missouri suggests K-12 schools provide a space and time, typically 5 to 10 minutes, for students to pray between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Its definitely a learning experience for those who dont practice Ramadan or know what it is., Muslim students attend a 2019 workshop to develop strong leadership skills. Columbia University Releases Ramadan Accommodations For Students Learn how to recognize when your social media feeds become an echo chamber and how to identify and evaluate claims based on science, Read what these students think about what the last two years have been like and where to go from here. An important part of Ramadan is breaking the fast each day with friends and family. Were not asking to indoctrinate everyone. Passover is coming as well. For schools, its important to provide an environment for students where they feel safe to practice their religion, but maybe more importantly, one that ensures their well-being during the school day. "I'm really excited that many people are taking the step to better understand our diverse community," Abdulla said. These cookies are set through our site by our marketing partners. 7. 1. n essential part of his identity as a Muslim. Column: How teachers can support students during Ramadan Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan; it is a sacred and deeply personal practice, not a religious punishment. Plan a school-wide celebration for Eid, for example an extended lunch with traditional foods - ask children what food they usually eat at home for Eid. Students gather at the 2019 Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS), an event that encourages civic and political engagement among American Muslim youth. Will students feel left out? Parent advocates say a lack of guidance from the Louisiana Department of Education makes it tough to navigate their religious beliefs. Depending on age and menstruation cycle, your Muslim students will probably be unable to partake. Inclusive at Work During Ramadan Its the kind of response that parents are all too familiar with, which they say leaves them to face constant obstacles to exercising their religion. How to Support Your Muslim Coworkers Who Are Fasting During Muslim students during Ramadan For the next few decades, the month will take place within the school year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a period of fasting and charity in which Muslims across the globe participate. This is anexcerpt from the SBS Learn Teacher's Resource: Ramadan Celebrations, where you can hear from some ofour SBS Language editors and producers as they reflect on their own countries' customs. Ramadan is an ancient, serious, and sacred religious practice; we live up to our mission and our values when we treat this practice -- and our community members observing it -- with the respect and dignity they deserve. At Wellesley, students are learning to cope with fasting away from their communities at home, and the pandemic which restricts their interactions with the community of Muslim How to help Muslim pupils (and staff) during Ramadan Published date. For example, I started when I was 9, but I did half-days, meaning I fasted from either morning until about lunchtime, or from lunchtime until evenings. Related: Schools struggle to accommodate the religious needs of Muslim students during Ramadan. For Odehs sisters, this Ramadan, which celebrates the month God revealed the Quran, is making for a more peaceful observance, and she says it has opened doors with classmates of other faiths. Options for flexible working and time off are key to supporting Muslims during Ramadan. I had to weigh the risk versus the reward for his social-emotional health and not necessarily his faith.. How to support Muslim students Adaptation to new homes for immigrants and awareness of any persecution can be even more difficult. The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was revealed as These are cookies needed by our content management to function correctly. Sign up for NewsHour Classrooms morningemailfeaturing stories like the piece you just read. It is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on Allah, and practice self-discipline. This important step can help diminish feelings of isolation and support students mental and emotional well-being during the period of Ramadan and beyond. WebHow Teachers Can Support Muslim Students During Ramadan 1. Muslim students during Ramadan Cultivate an open culture of. It is a moment to reflect and work on being better people. Ramadan does not have a fixed date because its start is based on the lunar calendar. How to support Muslim students during Ramadan While your school may not encourage a particular practice to the take the spotlight over others to maintain equality, this is also an ideal time to educate your class on Islamic practices and build empathy towards those of the faith so students observing Ramadan feel safer and understood.