Ramadan

About the Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, in which observing Muslims fast from all food and drink from dawn to sunset for a lunar month. Fasting is regarded as an essential spiritual practice for body, mind, and, soul that is valued across Muslim communities. The observance of fasting during the month of Ramadan is noted in the Qur'an and has come to represent the values of reflection, unity, celebration, and personal as well as communal growth. This year, the sacred month of Ramadan is expected to be observed from sundown March 11 through April 10, 2024. (These days could potentially shift one day based on the sighting of the moon.)

Academic Accommodation for Religious Observance

Generally, students are asked to notify their faculty members if they will need academic accommodation for religious observance, and faculty are asked to develop reasonable accommodations for students to observe. If support is needed, students and faculty may contact their academic deans or the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL). OSRL encourages the Emory community to be aware of students, faculty, staff, and other community members who will be observing Ramadan. In Spring 2024, Ramadan will overlap with classes as well as other university meetings and events.

Iftar Prayers and Dinners

The Muslim month of Ramadan will span March 11-April 10, 2024. During this time, starting Monday, March 18 after spring break, Emory’s Muslim community will be observing with daily fasting from dawn through the sunlight hours and nightly iftar communal prayers and dinner. On Atlanta campus, weeknight prayer and dinner will occur at Cannon Chapel with gathering at about 7:45 p.m., followed by prayer and dinner. Saturday and Sunday prayers and dinner will occur at the Emory Student Center. Weeknight iftars are hosted by OSRL, MSA, GMSC, Emory Muslim Alumni, and several Emory Schools, divisions, and units. The Muslim community does not need to register, but guests should register by emailing religiouslife@emory.edu.

Muslim Call to Prayer from Cox Hall

During the month of Ramadan, the Muslim call to prayer (adhan) will be played from the Cox Hall carillon on Fridays after the 1:45 p.m. chimes. It has been a tradition for several decades at Emory during the Muslim sacred month of Ramadan to play the call to prayer on Fridays, which is the Muslim day for communal midday prayer (salat al-Jumah). The call to prayer is a general statement of Islamic belief and a summons to communal prayer. Traditionally, it is recited from mosque minarets five times per day to call Muslims to obligatory prayers. Emory University wishes all those celebrating a meaningful and blessed Ramadan.

For More Information

For more information, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu

We wish you a blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!