Working Together for a United Britain: Making the Most of Ramadan in Schools, Universities and Workplaces

Equi Ramadan Series #4

Ramadan in the UK is no longer something that happens quietly behind closed doors. It has become a recognised moment in the British calendar – a month that enriches society and brings benefits to Muslims and non‑Muslims alike. As part of the Equi Ramadan Series, this article explores the benefits of celebrating Ramadan in our educational institutions and at work.

With four million Muslims living in the UK, Ramadan now plays a visible and meaningful role in schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. When these settings acknowledge Ramadan proactively, it helps create a sense of belonging for Muslim students and staff, strengthening social cohesion for everyone.

British Muslims already make a major contribution to education and the workplace. Equi’s research highlights the immense cost savings provided by independent Islamic faith schools, many of which consistently outperform national averages while strengthening civic values and social cohesion. Equi’s report found that it would cost the government £20 million to educate the children of the ten schools featured in the research alone. And in the workforce, British Muslims contribute an estimated £70 billion a year to the UK economy.

Recognising a person’s background, including their faith, is essential to helping them reach their full potential. Whether in a classroom, lecture hall or office, support during Ramadan signals that religious diversity is respected and valued. In recent years, many local councils and universities have published practical guidance on how to create inclusive environments during Ramadan, making it easier for institutions to respond thoughtfully.

But the value of Ramadan in education and at work goes far beyond inclusion. It also offers a powerful opportunity to strengthen community relationships. Research shows that social cohesion grows when people have safe spaces to learn about each other’s cultures and beliefs. Hosting iftars (the evening meal that breaks the fast), in schools or workplaces can bring colleagues and classmates together in a relaxed, meaningful way. And drawing on the strong tradition of Muslim charitable giving, Ramadan events can also raise funds for local causes.

For those wanting to take engagement further, science‑focused initiatives offer a creative way to blend learning with cultural understanding. Each year, the New Crescent Society partners with the Royal Observatory Greenwich to host an online astronomy show that tracks the new crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan. These events, which began in 2017 and often sell out, explore the historic role of astronomy in determining prayer times and the direction of prayer. Some sessions are designed specifically for children, helping spark interest in STEM subjects among students of all backgrounds. These initiatives also highlight an important truth: science and faith are not opposites, but often deeply connected.

Ramadan presents a valuable opportunity to promote interfaith learning and social cohesion across the UK’s educational institutions and workplaces. Innovative teaching and engagement, including science‑based projects delivered with faith communities and civil society organisations, can help build a more confident, cohesive Britain. When schools, universities and employers treat faith as an asset rather than a challenge, they help create environments where respect, belonging and togetherness are part of everyday life, not just in Ramadan.

Read more:

Faith-Led, Results Driven: Unlocking the Potential of Islamic Schools

The Positive Contribution of British Muslims to the UK’s Social Cohesion and Prosperity

The Economic Contribution of British Muslims to the UK’s Growth and Prosperity, and the Risk of Exodus

About the Equi Ramadan Series: A five-part exploration of the often under-recognised contribution Ramadan makes to everyday life and social cohesion in modern Britain. The series builds towards Ramadan 2026 and previews an upcoming short report, Ramadan: Breaking Fast, Building Britain, to be published during the holy month.

Dr Mary Hunter is a Senior Researcher at Equi. Mary has previously worked for several think tanks. Most recently, she was Director of Research at the Policy Research Institute for South Asia (PRISA), with a focus on UK-South Asia relations. Prior to that, she was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research (CSCR) in Pakistan researching cultural relations between the UK and Pakistan.

Dr Mamnun Khan, the author of Being British Muslims: Beyond Ethnocentric Religion and Identity Politics, is a British Muslim thinker and writer who explores identity, Islam, and the social integration of Muslims in contemporary Britain. His work critically examines the challenges and opportunities faced by British Muslims, advocating for a balanced God-centred approach that transcends ethnocentrism and ideological extremes.