How to support your Muslim friends during Ramadan

Ramadan is a special month in Islam focused on patience, self control, and kindness. Many Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and spend more time praying and helping others during this month. This year, Ramadan will start in the evening of Tuesday, February 17 and the first day of fasting is Wednesday, February 18. Eid should be expected around March 19-20 depending on the site of the moon. 

Here are 11 tips to help your Muslim friends who are observing the month of Ramadan in school: 

1. Be understanding about fasting – they’re not eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset.
2. Don’t pressure them into eating. If you say things like “c’mon, one bite won’t hurt”, it can cause a person to think differently and eventually break their fast. 
3. Avoid eating right in their face if you can.
4. Ask respectful questions if they’re open to it (never mock or joke).
5. Understand mood changes— hunger + school can be tough!  
6. Don’t spread stereotypes or let others make fun of fasting.
7. Be supportive during PE or sports – fasting can cause physical activity to become more difficult.
8. Respect prayer time if they need space or quiet.
9. Don’t gossip about who is or isn’t fasting.
10. Just be a good friend – kindness matters more than perfection!
11. Do not ask who is fasting or not; your friends will let you know if they want you to.