|
The Holy Month of Ramadan
February 17 - March 19, 2026
Muslims worldwide look forward to the start of Ramadan, a beautiful time of year for personal reflection, spiritual renewal, and devotion to Allah (SWT). Some of our students and community members at Smith will engage in Ramadan. You may hear many Muslims enthusiastically greet each other with the phrase Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem which means Blessed or Happy Ramadan. A successful Ramadan requires the collaboration of different centers and departments at Smith, including Dining Services and Residence Life. CRSL works closely with the leaders of Al Iman, Smith's Muslim Student Association, to plan events and activities for observants.
What is Ramadan?
You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God. - Qur'an 2:183 (M.A.S. Abdel Haleem)
Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar and is the time of year when adult Muslims are obligated to fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food and drink including water; and other specific behaviors. Keep in mind there may be instances when you will notice that some Muslims will not observe the fast for personal reasons. This year Ramadan will be observed from February 17 to March 19, 2026. The actual start and end dates are determined by the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan is an annual sacred period of spiritual purification for Muslims and involves nightly extended prayers, daily Qur’anic reading, charitable acts, deep compassion, unwavering patience, and community festivities. The Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the month of Ramadan. Muslims are used to observing Ramadan with their families and communities, so observant students away from home can experience feelings of vulnerability and isolation. Ramadan can also bring on fatigue and stress, which can be challenging to our students.
Community Support for Observants
The CRSL seeks to make extra efforts to respond to student needs by taking steps to validate, acknowledge and normalize Muslim practices. We regularly seek information through surveys and conversations about students’ hopes and needs. Community iftars (breaking of the fast with an evening meal) both on campus and as part of the larger Muslim community are a critical way to support the wellbeing of students observing Ramadan. CRSL and other Smith departments and centers host iftars; and students are encouraged to cook their meals together when they are able.
Some students from minority Muslim sects undergo an intensive practice of grief and mourning during Ramadan that adds an additional emotional component to the time period. These students may attend observances at more distant mosques which may require more time for travel. Additionally, "It's important to remember that some Muslim students do not "visibly" identify as Muslim, yet they still observe Ramadan and may need support during this sacred time."
Sometimes students may need to request religious considerations from faculty by way of an absence from class or an extension on an assignment and/or exam. At the end of Ramadan students may request time off to attend the culmination of Ramadan, the Eid celebration, which includes morning prayers at the mosque, a festive community meal, and often planned communal events.
We cannot emphasize enough how much students appreciate the support they receive from staff and faculty during Ramadan and small considerations can make a tremendous difference to how students experience this holy time. For some students this may be the first time they are responsible for all the details of their Ramadan experience. CRSL reinforces with students the importance of planning ahead and whenever possible providing their professors and supervisors with as much advance notice as possible if a consideration is needed.
Ramadan Open House
To learn more about Ramadan, we invite you to attend this year’s Ramadan Open House on Wednesday, February 11 from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at the Helen Hills Hills Chapel Sanctuary. Student ambassadors will answer questions about the observance along with Sis Kim, the Muslim Student Advisor. This event will feature a panel of Muslim alums and current Smithies who will share their Ramadan experiences at Smith.
Ramadan Resources
Ramadan Smith webpage: https://www.smith.edu/about-smith/dining-services/special-diets/ramadan
Recording of the CRSL’s Ramadan Awareness Workshop from 2023, with talks by Smith Students and Muslim Leaders from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace and Williams College), entitled Deeds That Are Beloved to Allah During Ramadan (start at 2:57).
Student Request Form
If a student makes a request that you, as faculty or staff, would like to consult the CRSL on how to best address, you can notify us here: https://forms.gle/MQCrU1tf7MFfRNcR7. We want to reiterate that the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life is here for you to consult with on any issues or questions about Ramadan or any of the upcoming religious holidays. We also encourage you to contact the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life directly if you need support to decide on a religious consideration.
Lastly, below you will find a link to Smith’s Interfaith Religious Calendar so you can have access to important information about religious observances:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aPhrELJWu5iNVBTSFV-ulFtBL9QA5FwbckTUIKvo7Zs/edit?gid=643142369#gid=643142369
This calendar can be added to your personal calendar by emailing Kim Alston at kalston@smith.edu or Maureen Raucher at mraucher@smith.edu.
The beauty of Ramadan is that it is experienced differently by every Muslim and can transform the life and heart of the individual. The CRSL is excited to partner with our students and campus partners during this blessed time of year.
Peace and Blessings,
Kim Alston, Muslim Student Advisor (Sis Kim)
Matilda Cantwell, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and College Chaplain
| 
