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Ramadan at the University of Leeds

Each year, many members of our university community observe Ramadan and come together to celebrate Eid. Ramadan is a significant time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and community for Muslims around the world.

If you’re observing Ramadan away from home for the first time it can feel quite different. There are a range of activities taking place across campus, as well as support services available to help you during this period.

Our student Vita shares some great advice in her blog four ways to get ready for Ramadan – we hope you find some useful tips to help you prepare.

If you’re a student parent, you may find postgraduate researcher Gazi’s blog on balancing studies, childcare, and faith during Ramadan particularly reassuring.

Ramadan support and activities

Ramadan 2026 is expected to start on either the evening of Tuesday 17 February 2026 (with the first fast on Wednesday 18 February 2026), or the evening of Wednesday 18 February (with the first fast on Thursday 19 February 2026). Depending on the sighting of the moon, Ramadan will end around Thursday 19 or Friday 20 March 2026.

Events and activities

Throughout Ramadan, the University will be running a programme of events to support students observing the fast. This will include four on-campus hot Iftar meals, providing opportunities for students to break their fast together, as well as an Eid celebration.

The University Muslim Student Advisers also provide one-to-one faith support to students and staff during Ramadan and throughout the year. They will also host events and student panels on campus to raise awareness around observing Ramadan.

The Leeds University Union Islamic Society (ISOC) and the Ahlul Bayt society (ABSOC) both run a range of student-led Ramadan events, including Iftars, talks and social activities. Details of these events are regularly shared on their social media channels:

Leeds Grand Mosque, Makkah Masjid and Makki Masjid mosques also offer a range of support to the Leeds Muslim community during Ramadan, including community Iftars and Taraweeh prayers throughout the month.

Muslim Student Adviser support

The University’s Muslim Student Advisers, Sisters Jaan Malik and Mehran Nisa offer confidential, faith-based support to students and staff throughout the year, including during Ramadan.

You can email the Muslim Student Advisers at muslimstudentsupport@leeds.ac.uk.

Support can include:

  • a safe space to talk about faith, wellbeing, and identity
  • guidance on balancing fasting with studies, exams, and placements
  • support around prayer spaces, religious adjustments, and signposting to other services
  • help navigating university processes where faith may be a consideration.

The advisers work closely with student Societies, Chaplaincy colleagues, the International Student Office and wider university services to ensure Muslim students feel supported across campus.

Hot Iftars

Our hot Iftars will take place once a week from 19 February 2026 in the Great Hall. These events are very popular and spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential.

To ensure everyone has a fair chance to secure a place, tickets will be released at 12pm, one week in advance of the Iftar.

The Leeds University Union Islamic Society (ISoc) will also organise seven iftars during the month. Follow the Leeds University Union Islamic Society on Instagram or email ISoc at info@leedsisoc.com to find out more about their iftar programme.

Eid-ul-Fitr celebration

Leeds is an inclusive city with a vibrant Muslim community, offering plenty of opportunities to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

Join us for a special Eid celebration to mark the end of Ramadan:

Prayer spaces

Check the prayer, contemplation and faith-based support page for information about prayer spaces and their extended opening hours during Ramadan.

Please email the Muslim Student Advisers at muslimstudentsupport@leeds.ac.uk if you have any questions about prayer spaces.

Learn about Ramadan

If you’re interested in learning more about Ramadan and what this time means to our university community, you can find out more in our blogs:

Support and guidance