Strategies for studying during the holy month of Ramadhan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, where all Muslims are obligated to fast from sunrise to sunset. During this month, Muslims are encouraged to fill up their day to worship Allah and do good deeds. As students, studying and completing assignments are not only good deeds but also their obligation.

However, studying during Ramadan can be challenging due to changes in daily routine, fasting and increased spiritual commitments. Therefore, a well-planned guideline for studying can help a student to stay on track while improving their relationship with Allah.

First of all, planning daily schedule can greatly enhance studying experience as it will definitely help students allocate specific time for studying and performing ibadah during Ramadan. This will allow them to balance their academic commitments with religious obligation, ensuring sufficient time for both studying and engaging in spiritual activities.

For example, after iftar, students can focus more on praying and attending taraweeh. After taraweeh, students can review their study materials before going to sleep. Students can also try to wake up early to study before Suhoor as early morning hours are often quitter and less distracting, allowing for better concentration and focus on study tasks. Don’t forget to perform Qiamullail and read Quran before Subuh praying time.

When planning the schedule, students should set realistic and achievable study goals on their academic priorities. Break down the study tasks into manageable chunks and set specific objectives for each study session. This can help making steady progress towards academic goals without feeling overwhelmed.

In addition, prioritising tasks can help in studying effectively during Ramadan as it allow students to identify the most important and high priority study materials or assignments that need immediate attention. Multiple study tasks and assignments always overwhelmed students, making them unsure of where to start. By providing clarity on which task to tackle first, they can reduce decision fatigue and allows them to dive into their work with confidence and focus.

An important aspect in prioritising tasks is aligning study priorities with energy level during fasting hours. Students can tackle more demanding or cognitively challenging tasks during times when they feel most alert and focus, while reserving lighter tasks for periods of lower energy.

When studying during fasting period, schedule regular breaks during study sessions to rest and refresh. Short breaks are beneficial for students in many ways including preventing burnout as they give their mind a chance to rest and recharge. This will allow the brain to process and consolidate the information, allowing students to remember and understand the material they are studying.

Taking breaks also offer the opportunity to step back from the pressures of studying and alleviate stress. Engaging in relaxing activities during breaks, such as light physical activities, stretching, reading Quran or reciting Zikr can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm and balance. Avoid scrolling through social media or using gadgets as it will contribute to mental fatigue, which will diminish the effectiveness of the study sessions.

Fasting during Ramadan can sometimes lead to feelings of fatigue or lethargy, especially if students are not consuming enough fluids and nutrients. Studies have shown that dehydration can also impair memory and cognitive performance. Therefore, proper hydration and nourishment can help maintaining consistent energy level, improving the ability to retain information and learn new concept effectively,

In addition to impairing memory and cognitive performance, dehydration can contribute to irritability, mood swings and decreased motivation. This will negatively affecting students’ study sessions and ibadah through out the day. For that reason, drinking enough water and consuming nutritious meals during Suhoor and Iftar can help regulating mood and maintaining positive mindset, making it easier to stay focused and engaged during studying.

It is important for students to wisely choose their meals to stay hydrated and nourished during fasting period. Opting for whole grains such as oats or whole wheat bread can provide long-lasting energy to sustain students throughout the day. They can also include lean protein sources such as eggs, yogurt and meats in Suhoor meal to promote satiety and muscle repair.

Students should not forget to drink plenty of water and consume fruits and vegetables during Suhoor to stay hydrated while fasting.

The holy month of Ramadan offers a unique opportunity for students to deepen their connection with both their studies and their faith. By embracing the strategies suggested, students can navigate the academic challenges of Ramadan with grace and resilience, besides seeking for knowledge not only for academic achievement but also for personal growth and spiritual enrichment.

Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslim students, and may our studies be blessed with success and fulfillment.

Nurul Ain Asyiqah Achok is a student at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.