Anwar describes the challenges and spiritual meaning of fasting while balancing college studies.
By: A Fajardo Sola
During the month of Ramadan, many Muslim students fast from sunrise to sunset while continuing their daily routines, including attending college classes and completing assignments. For Anwar, balancing fasting with the demands of school can be both challenging and meaningful. While fasting is an important part of her faith, it can also affect how students feel during long days of lectures, studying, and academic responsibilities.
Anwar explained that fasting can have a noticeable impact on students’ energy and focus. “Fasting can affect our studies because your body is going without food and water for hours,” she said. Without food or water during the day, students may begin to feel tired, slower, and less focused in class, especially earlier in the day. According to Anwar, this lack of energy can make it harder to concentrate during lectures or keep up with note-taking.
“It may be harder to concentrate, take notes, or participate as much as usual,” Anwar said. She explained that hunger and low energy can slow down thinking and make it difficult to stay attentive while reading, writing, or completing assignments. Some students may also feel weak or even dizzy during the day, which can make focusing on schoolwork more difficult.
Despite these challenges, Anwar emphasized that fasting is also a meaningful spiritual experience. She described how Ramadan encourages patience and reflection. “At the same time you feel more patient, reflective, and spiritually connected,” she explained. That sense of connection and purpose can help motivate students to push through the physical challenges of the day.
Anwar also noted that many students learn to adjust their schedules during Ramadan in order to stay on top of their work. With rest, good time management, and planning, students can still keep up with their studies. Some may study later in the evening after breaking their fast, while others try to complete important tasks when they feel most alert.
Although fasting can make school more difficult at times, Anwar believes the experience teaches discipline and perseverance. For students like her, Ramadan is not only a test of physical endurance but also a time for spiritual growth and personal reflection while continuing to balance the responsibilities of college life.
