Balancing school and Ramadan can be challenging, especially when managing fasting, prayers, and assignments all at once.  

The key to a successful Ramadan while keeping up with school is having a solid routine. With a little planning, you can stay energised, keep up with your studies, and make the most of this blessed month. 

Whether you write your plan down in a physical or digital planner. Here’s how to build the ultimate school-friendly Ramadan routine. 

Plan Your Suhoor for Energy and Focus 

Skipping suhoor might seem tempting, but having a nutritious meal before you start fasting is essential. It helps with staying focused in school by keeping you energised throughout the day.

Set yourself an alarm at least 30 minutes before Fajr (when fasting starts) to give yourself enough time to eat, pray, and start the day feeling refreshed. Placing the alarm across the room can make getting out of bed easier.

When it comes to preparing your suhoor meal, the best kinds of energy-boosting foods are whole grains, fruits, and protein (tofu, chicken, etc.) to keep you going throughout the day. You can also plan out your meals in a journal.

If you’re used to eating your favourite cereal or leftover food for breakfast, try to make them more filling. Eat your cereal with fruits and Greek yoghurt, or have leftovers with added protein and vegetables. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

Stay Productive During Ramadan on School Days 

Fasting can sometimes make it difficult to concentrate in class, so here are a few strategies to help you maintain focus. 

First, figure out when your energy levels are at their peak. Because of suhoor, you’ll likely have the most energy in the morning. Or, if you’re a night owl, you might have peak energy levels after iftar.  

If you can stay up after Fajr, use this time to get ahead on schoolwork—review notes, start an assignment, or do some quick studying before school. If you prefer to sleep in, try to take 10-15 minutes after Fajr for a quick revision session. You can also use this time for spiritual reflection, such as dhikr, dua, or Quran reading. 

During school, try to minimise distractions by setting a screen time limit or blocking certain apps on your phone. With Ramadan being a month filled with many opportunities for rewards, you can maximise your time by using your break times at school for quiet reflection, dhikr, or reviewing Quran verses. 

After iftar, between Maghrib and Taraweeh, plan your study schedule or start an assignment early. This way, you can use the time after Taraweeh to unwind and focus on your spiritual goals. Even working on something small for 10-15 minutes can make a difference. Then, start winding down for bed so you can wake up early for suhoor feeling refreshed. 

Balance Your Ramadan Worship, School, and Extracurricular Activities 

Fasting while managing school, worship, and extracurricular activities can be challenging, but, with the right approach, you can stay engaged while maintaining your energy. 

If you’re involved in sports, it’s important to listen to your body. If you start feeling lightheaded or exhausted, take a break or ask your coach for modifications. Instead of high-intensity drills, focus on stretching, technique, or skill-based activities. 

Staying hydrated is also essential, so drink plenty of water at suhoor and iftar. For harder training, consider scheduling it after iftar when you feel more energised. Talking to your coach about Ramadan will also help them understand your needs so they can make necessary accommodations. 

If you’re involved in other extracurricular activities like debate teams, clubs, or prefects duty, prioritise essential tasks and temporarily step back from taking on extra work. This can help create more space for worship and schoolwork. You can also use downtime during meetings or rehearsals for quiet reflection, like dhikr.  

All in all, if you need to be part of an event that requires significant energy or late hours, communicate with teachers or leaders about possible adjustments during Ramadan. 

Nap Smartly to Avoid Burnout 

Fasting, school, and late-night prayers can leave you feeling drained. If you’re exhausted after a long school day, a short nap can help restore energy without disrupting your night’s sleep. 

Try to keep naps between 20 to 30 minutes. This helps you avoid feeling groggy afterward. 

It’s also best to time naps for after school but before Asr prayer to maintain a balanced schedule. If you’re able to nap in school, try to find a quiet spot during your break times (preferably just before or after Dhuhr time) to snooze.  

Maximise Your Iftar and Evening Routine 

After a long day of fasting and school, the evening is the best time to refuel and refocus on worship. 

Break your fast with dates and water, following the Sunnah, before having a balanced meal. 

Plan your evening schedule to prioritise Maghrib, Isha, and Taraweeh. If possible, encourage or join your family to pray at the mosque to maximise your Ramadan experiences. 

After iftar is also the best time to take time away from your social media and engage in ibadah (acts of worship). This can include reading Quran, more dhikr, or spending time with family reflecting on Ramadan.  

Having a checkbox list (you can make one in your planner or journal for Ramadan) on hand can help keep track of your Quran progress, Taraweeh, dhikr, and more, helping you stay motivated to do them daily.  

After you’re done with your evening activities, wind down for bed so you can get up early for suhoor. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night, as this can help keep your energy levels going throughout Ramadan.  

Stay Consistent and Flexible 

Not every day will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Adjust your routine when needed, especially during exam periods or school events. Keeping a record of the changes in your planner can also make things less overwhelming.  

If you have trouble focusing on ibadah during school days, make the most of weekends instead. Whether it’s through Quran recitation or getting involved in community, make the intention to do it for the sake of Allah (SWT) and you’ll go far.  

In turn, if you miss a goal on one day, it’s okay, don’t get discouraged. Refocus and try again the next. Ramadan is about progress, not perfection.  

As the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” 

 Sunan Ibn Majah 

Build a Routine That Works for You 

Balancing school and Ramadan is definitely not easy, but it’s possible with a well-structured routine and a focused mindset.  

By planning around prayer times, managing school hours wisely, and dedicating specific times for ibadah, you can have a fulfilling Ramadan without falling behind on your studies. 

The Ramadan Activity Booklet is a great tool to help stay on track. Using the habit tracker, word searches, and prayer checklists can keep motivation high throughout the month.