The month of Ramadan begins tomorrow for many Muslim. Here’s a few useful things for schools to know.

1. Muslims believe it was this month the first chapters of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammed (ﷺ peace and belongs be upon him) making this month a sacred time.

2. We fast from sunrise to sunset and fill our time with prayers, reading of the Qur’an, charity, reflection and self-discipline. We’re very conscious of our behaviour so feel free to remind any students that they’re fasting as a behaviour management technique.

3. No, not even water. We don’t drink or eat at all in the day time, but it’s completely fine to eat and drink in front of us. Just don’t be that person that teases us with food.

4. Students may feel tired. I’m going to be up from about 4am to eat before I begin my fasts and will probably go to bed about 11ish as we have lengthier prayers in the evening. Parents/carers tend to encourage their children to nap where they can.

5. Fasting becomes obligatory at different ages, usually linked to puberty. Before it becomes obligatory, children often want to take part to not only build up to a month of fasting but because we love it. It’s an exciting and joyous time, filled with rewards.

6. Prayer space. The second prayer of the day will be during school hours so it’d be helpful to have a quiet place to pray.

7. Students may need to do wudhu before they pray. Girls wearing headscarfs will need to use toilets that have doors so they don’t reveal their hair.

8. Informing your student and staff body of Ramadan is a great way to engage with character education and reinforce your school’s values.

9. It’s also a great opportunity to build your relationship with parents/carers, students and staff. Discussing needs would promote a stronger sense of community, respect and understanding.

Let me know what should be my tenth point.