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Dear Lafayette Community,
The Office of Religious & Spiritual Life would like to share updates on Ramadan, halal dining, Dean’s Verifications, and how to offer hospitality to our Muslim community members.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and community. In 2026, the holy month is expected to begin and end on the following dates:
Note: Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, these dates are tentative and depend on the sighting of the new crescent moon.
During this month, many adult Muslims observe a fast from dawn until sunset. This involves abstaining from food, drink, and certain other physical needs.
Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a time for believers to strengthen their relationship with God, practice self-discipline, and increase charitable acts (zakat) to empathize with those less fortunate.
Consider holding food-related meetings after sunset or at least be aware that some folks may not be able to eat during daytime hours. Flexibility is key during this time, as some people observing Ramadan may experience fatigue, especially during the afternoon.
Religious Life and the Muslim Student Association board are once again working with Dining Services to have appropriate meals available for Ramadan. We are especially grateful to our student leaders for giving of their time to help achieve this goal.
Parkhurst Dining, Lafayette’s dining services provider, labels Halal meals with an “H” symbol on their nutritional information boards. Additionally, Parkhurst is working with Operations, Religious Life, and an external organization to prioritize integrity and inclusion by ensuring that Lafayette dining services meet strict Islamic dietary and ethical standards. This process will include some facility modifications to the Marquis dining hall kitchen over the summer of 2026. Details of the Marquis certification will be shared and the physical certificates will be posted once the external organization has approved.
Religious Life is working to compile and verify a list of local restaurants that offer certified Halal food. If you would like access to this list, please contact Chaplain Alex Hendrickson (hendrica@lafayette.edu).
Supporting students during Ramadan requires an empathetic understanding of both the physical rigors of fasting and the month’s intense spiritual commitments. Fasting involves abstaining from all food and drink from dawn until sunset, which can lead to fluctuations in mental clarity and energy.
To foster an inclusive environment, professors should consider the following accommodations:
By offering these adjustments, faculty ensure that students can meet their academic obligations without compromising their religious commitments.
For religious observances that would require an absence from class, students can submit requests using the Dean’s Absence Verification form. Students should speak with their professors before submitting to determine if a verification is required and, if so, alternative plans for make-up work. If your request is granted, the student and faculty will be notified by email.
Both students and faculty should review syllabi early in the semester to determine potential conflicts; please visit the Religious and Spiritual Life page for a list of major holidays happening this semester.
Students who celebrate Ramadan do not have to wait until the start or end date has been determined to submit a request. If verification is no longer needed, students should attend class as usual. If you have questions about this process or religious observances in general, please contact Rabbi Alex Malanych (amalanyc@lafayette.edu) or Chaplain Alex Hendrickson (hendrica@lafayette.edu) in the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
We wish our Muslim friends a blessed Ramadan. May this time of fasting bring peace, spiritual growth, and joy to your homes and communities.
Yours,
The Office of Religious & Spiritual Life