The Benefits of Exams During Ramadan

Article in brief: the author discusses the benefits of attending school during Ramadan.

As a high school senior, I can’t wait to get my final test scores at the closest opportunity. This is in order to finalize my university applications and arrangements, so I was struck with dismay to learn that the dates of our final exams were postponed by an additional two weeks, which means, we will be performing our exams during the holly month of Ramadan. Though I am frustrated by the confusion caused, I decided to take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of this change:

• Sleeping pattern:

I always fell into the habit of sleeping during the day while remaining awake till dawn (at least). In doing so, I was wasting valuable time, which was supposed to be allocated for reading the holly Quran, praying ON time and reflecting on the past year. Personally, I believe that those acts should be done during the daytime, since I usually visit friends and families during the evenings.

With school taking up the first two weeks of Ramadan, I will hopefully have better control of my time. While being awake during the daytime, I will pay more attention to my religious rituals.

Tip for students: to laze around post-futoor guilt-free, finish your studying before Maghreb athan!

• Majlis gatherings:

Personally, I spend most of my time in the evenings at Majlis gatherings with friends and families. Though connecting with our families is one of the pillars of this month, I believe I have overdone it in the past years, since I spent more time visiting family and friends till the early hours than focusing on the religious self-education that Ramadan promotes.

I believe with the new timings for our finals, I will be able to limit my time outside the house, since I will be obliged to focus on my finals. At the same time, it will also allow me to plan my day more effectively with regards to my religious rituals.

Tip for students: yes, staying at home studying does drown your spirits. To enjoy guilt-free and stress-free gatherings, plan them on days that aren’t followed by finals!

• Helping my mother:

Ramadan strongly emphasizes lending a helping a hand; I hadn’t given this teaching its justice, because I am usually asleep during the day, with most of the day’s chores falling on my mother and the household helps. With the exams taking place during Ramadan, I can now assist in the cleaning around the house and distributing of iftar to the neighborhood’s Ramadan tents. Not only will I lighten the burden on my mother, but I will also develop my own skills of compassion and sacrifice in the process.

Tip for students: spend your finals-free days helping your mother out. Although housework is particularly arduous in Ramadan, when done with family it helps in boosting ties and works as a recreational opportunity too!

It is important to keep in mind that our forefathers used to fast in worse conditions, back when air conditioning, international cuisine and diverse entertainment options were non-existent. Let’s approach Ramadan with a positive spirit, and not allow finals to ruin it for us. If our parents have survived Ramadan in their conditions, we can definitely adapt to two weeks of finals!