How to incorporate Ramadan in your classroom

By Naimah Asad (she/her), teacher, New Westminster

When I first started teaching, I quickly realized how little awareness there was about Ramadan in many school communities. Even in diverse classrooms, Ramadan was often unfamiliar territory. There were none-to-very-few storybooks in school libraries related to Ramadan and Eid. Explaining Ramadan was challenging due to limited background knowledge and a lack of available resources.

Discussions about fasting during our lunchtime often led to surprise among colleagues. There are two questions that always come up: “You don’t eat all day?” and “Not even water?” The second question, “Not even water?” came up so often that it became a predictable part of every discussion.

When is Ramadan celebrated?

Ramadan is the holy month in Islam during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and compassion. It is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and begins when the crescent moon is sighted. This year, Ramadan began on February 18. Muslims around the world fast for 29 or 30 days, depending on the visibility of the new moon. During Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict daily fast from sunrise until sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink, not even water, during these daylight hours. The Islamic calendar is lunar and about 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Ramadan occurs earlier each year and cycles through all seasons, allowing Muslims to experience fasting during long summer days as well as shorter winter ones.

However, fasting is not just the act of refraining from food and drink. It is also a form of spiritual cleansing. It is a time for reflection, self-discipline, generosity, and empathy for those who experience hunger regularly.

Ramadan is also a time of increased worship, particularly late at night. If you notice students looking a little bleary-eyed, it may be because they are staying up late to pray or waking up well before dawn to keep their fasts. Children, the elderly, and those who are sick are exempt from fasting.

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate a major holiday called Eid. Eid lasts for three days and begins with special morning prayers. Families spend time together, share meals, visit friends and relatives, and celebrate the completion of the month.

Why Ramadan belongs in our classrooms

Understanding Ramadan goes beyond explaining fasting. It’s about helping students see that religious and cultural practices are layered, intentional, and meaningful. When we make space for Ramadan in our classrooms, we affirm Muslim students and broaden the worldview of all learners.

Incorporating Ramadan does not require elaborate lessons. Simple, intentional practices can make a significant difference. Here are some examples:

• reading inclusive storybooks that reflect Muslim experiences

• acknowledging Ramadan during staff meetings or calendar discussions

• allowing flexibility for students who may be fasting or tired; this could include allowing students to opt-out of food-centred activities or gym activities

• encouraging curiosity and respectful questions.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to incorporate Ramadan into the classroom is through literature. Quality children’s books help students connect emotionally while building understanding. Below are some recommended titles.

Classroom resources: Books about Ramadan

Elementary

Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi

A beautifully illustrated story following a young girl as she experiences Ramadan with her family, ideal for primary classrooms and excellent for discussions around family traditions and reflection.

Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi

A relatable story about a young girl fasting for the first time at school, perfect for conversations about identity, belonging, and peer understanding.

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan

A poetic introduction to Islamic culture and traditions, including Ramadan, through colours and imagery.

Ramadan by Hannah Eliot

A simple, accessible board book that works well for early learners and ESL classrooms.

Ramadan Nights by Jenny Molendyk Divleli

This is a story of a little girl and her family who observe different traditions during the month of Ramadan.

The Most Exciting Eid by Zeba Talkhani

This is a story of a girl who is excited for Eid-al-Fitr.

Intermediate

Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi

A powerful novel about a Syrian American boy and his struggles in middle school.

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui This is a sweet novel of a girl who finds her voice on her own terms.

Secondary

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson

This novel is based on the real-life experiences of a refugee boy.

Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed

This is an uplifting novel about working together to make a change.

Moving forward

Looking back on my early years of teaching, I wish there had been more resources, more conversations, and more visibility around Ramadan. Today, I see progress, but there is still work to do. As educators, we have the opportunity to create classrooms where all students feel seen, understood, and valued. Incorporating Ramadan is one meaningful step toward that goal.