1. Fasting and Exams
May/June 2018

2. What is Ramadhan?
9th Month in the Islamic Calendar where muslims all around the world observe the fast (Abstain from eating and drinking) from dawn until dusk (Before Sunrise up until sunset)
One of the 5 Pillars of Islam
Fasting is intended to ultimately bring you closer to God
Remind you of the suffering of those less fortunate.
This year falling from the middle of May to the middle of June (Exam Period)

3. Benefits to the Brain and otherwise from fasting...
Pythagoras – Fasted for 40 days non stop to increase brain activity including memory.
Produces brain cells which helps improve brain function and increases memory and retention , reduces stress levels
Helps to detoxify your body
Prevention from diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases etc
Gradual weight loss through a balanced diet
Eat less junk food so better eating habits
Lots of spiritual benefits too

4. Top Tips while fasting and going through Exams (Tip 1)
Eat a WHOLESOME Pre Dawn Meal
Something that will help you sustain energy for many hours
Porridge
Weetabix,
Wholemeal bread
Eggs
Fruit smoothie
Fruits such as Bananas, Dates, Figs, Apricots, Prunes

5. Top Tips while fasting and going through Exams (Tip 2)
Eat Healthily when your fast has come to an end
Open fast with dates and water as per the Prophetic tradition
Eat a Balanced diet – Proteins, vegetables, some carbohydrates
Avoid fried foods
Eat as normally as possible – overeating is not good for you
Avoid too much fat and sugar.

6. Top Tips while fasting and going through Exams (Tip 3, 4 and 5)
Plan your Day Ahead
Check your examination Timetable
Prepare your uniform
Prepare your stationary
Avoid rushing in the morning
Drink plenty of water between Sunset and Sunrise
Drink while praying
Drink while carrying out some revision
This will help prevent dehydration and headaches
Avoid all types of Caffeine
Coffee, tea, coke, pepsi etc
It will dehydrate you faster

7. Top Tips while fasting and going through Exams (Tip 6)
Try and rest as much as possible
Do not over exert yourself with too much physical activity – eg running for the bus or generally rushing
Take a nap throughout the day if you are able to before you do some revision and before the night prayer
Do not sit in the sun as much - this will likely dehydrate you.

8. Top Tips while fasting and going through Exams (Tip 7)
Do not put your health at risk
If your health is put at risk due to the fast through dehydration or injury etc then you are able to break the fast
This will need to be made up at a later date though
From a safeguarding point of view it is important that we as teachers are aware of your circumstances and if you are finding it difficult please do not hesitate to come and have a chat to us or let us know if anything is an issue

9. Ramadan Mubarak and All The Best in your upcoming exams!!!