University students studying and writing exams may be wondering if they can be excused from fasting.
Most fatwa sites say that fasting is an obligation. Since taking exams is not listed as a reason for exemption in the classical sources , there’s a presumption that one still writes the exam while fasting. In addition, many students report that they can study for exams and fast at the same time.
However, that’s not the case for everyone. There are ways to make the fasting easier. For example, students can practice good habits, eating well and eating healthy foods before and after fasting. They can wake up early in the morning for suhoor. Perhaps they do not need to perform tasks that are nonessential to Ramadan, like the taraweeh prayers.
Some fatwas exercise more leniency on this matter. Shaikh Ahmad Kutty, one of the most well-known scholars in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), has a website to askthescholar.ca. A student asked the following, “Students have these long hours of fasting and exams coming up. Can I forgo the fasting during that period?" He suggested that if this is a serious problem for students, they can delay fasting until later in the year, perhaps in the wintertime when the hours are shorter.
Balancing fasting during Ramadan with the pressure of exams can indeed be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity to rely on Allah (SWT) for strength and success. While fasting is a fundamental obligation, Islam also provides exceptions for specific circumstances, such as illness or extreme hardship, highlighting its practical and compassionate nature. However, exams are not traditionally recognized as a valid reason for skipping fasts, and many students manage both commitments successfully with proper planning and reliance on Allah.
To seek ease, clarity, and strength during such times, I encourage reciting Dua e Masura. This supplication is a powerful way to connect with Allah, seek His guidance, and invoke His mercy. It can help students stay focused, both spiritually…