Studying during Ramadan is not inherently haram (forbidden).
Ramadan is a month of increased devotion, worship, and self-improvement. While fasting is a central obligation, engaging in beneficial activities like studying is generally encouraged. Islam values knowledge and seeking it doesn't contradict the spirit of Ramadan.
However, the key consideration is whether studying interferes with fulfilling one's religious obligations or becomes an excuse to neglect them. Here's a breakdown:
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Balancing Studies and Worship: It's crucial to balance study time with prayer, Quran recitation, and other acts of worship specific to Ramadan. Don't let studies become such a preoccupation that you miss prayers or neglect other duties.
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Intention Matters: Your intention behind studying also matters. If you are studying to gain knowledge that benefits yourself and/or the community, that is a positive intention.
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Hardship and Breaking the Fast: The reference mentions the hardship of studying while fasting. Studying for exams isn't a valid excuse in itself to break the fast. However, if you experience extreme hardship or health concerns due to fasting and studying, you should consult with a knowledgeable religious figure or medical professional. Islam permits breaking the fast under genuine duress to safeguard one's health. You would need to make up for the missed days later.
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Prioritization: If you have flexibility in your study schedule, consider adjusting it to take advantage of the cooler parts of the day or evenings after iftar (breaking the fast).
In summary, studying during Ramadan is permissible and even encouraged as long as it doesn't lead to neglecting religious obligations or causing undue hardship to oneself. Maintaining a balance between seeking knowledge and fulfilling religious duties is key.
