Navigating Ramadan as a Care Leaver
Humerah, a campaigner with Become the Movement, shares her tips for navigating Ramadan as a Care Leaver and a Muslim
Assalamu Alaikum, everyone! (which translates to: ‘Peace be upon you’)
You may know that Muslims worldwide are currently observing Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, reflection, and community. If you’re reading this, you’re likely navigating Ramadan while managing the unique challenges and complexities of life as a care leaver – or perhaps supporting someone who is. As a Muslim care leaver myself, I want to share some honest reflections and practical tips for finding strength during this sacred month. Let’s walk through the challenges and the hope together.
Past instability in care can resurface during a month focused on patience and gratitude. It’s okay to prioritise your own mental health. It’s okay to ask for help.
⎯⎯ Humerah
Practical challenges: balancing faith and independence
Financial strain: Limited income can make affording nutritious Suhoor (pre-dawn) and Iftar (sunset) meals difficult. Budgeting becomes critical, yet many care leavers may lack financial knowledge/capabilities. A simple meal paired with dates and water still honours the spirit of Ramadan and some days it may be cereal at 3 AM. Workshops on budgeting and cooking, offered by care-leaver charities, can help too!
Cooking and facilities: Without family guidance, some may struggle to prepare meals. Shared or unstable housing might lack proper kitchens, turning meal preps into a hurdle. If your kitchen setup is limited, focus on easy, filling recipes. Overnight oats for Suhoor or soups for Iftar can be lifesavers. YouTube/TikTok tutorials are always a go to for me.
Time management: Juggling work, education, and fasting without family support can lead to exhaustion, especially for those who may be navigating independent living for the first time. Prioritise rest where you can – even a 20-minute nap can reset your day.
Social and emotional struggles: loneliness within a communal month
Isolation: Ramadan’s communal spirit, especially observing family gatherings can accentuate loneliness for those without ties. Invite a friend (Muslim or not!) to Iftar. Many mosques also welcome everyone for Iftar, the warmth of strangers can surprise you. There also may be events held by the community, find these on Eventbrite by searching ‘iftar’ in your local area!
Cultural disconnection: Some of us may feel detached from religious identity, unsure how to engage with local Muslim communities or access mosques. Start small. Attend a virtual event or reach out to a local mosque’s youth coordinator. Online groups (e.g., Facebook communities) offer virtual support, sharing tips on easy recipes or balancing work with fasting. Remember, you belong here.
Stigma and misunderstanding: Explaining your care background to employers/peers (or anyone for that matter!) when requesting Ramadan accommodations can be daunting, fearing judgment or lack of empathy. Keep it simple with: “I need flexibility during Ramadan for faith observance.” You owe no one more explanation than that.
Mental health: the invisible burden
Existing trauma: Past instability in care can resurface during a month focused on patience and gratitude. Fasting may intensify anxiety or depression, particularly without mental health support. Reach out to a trusted friend or the Become’s Care Advice Line for support. Sometimes, just naming the struggle out loud helps. It’s okay to prioritise your own mental health. It’s okay to ask for help.
Routine disruption: Unpredictable living environments can disrupt prayer and fasting routines, adding stress to an already demanding practice. Do what you can. It’s about your effort, not perfection. And hey, dua (prayer) counts as self-care too.
Spiritual hurdles: grace over guilt
Guilt and pressure: We as care leavers might feel inadequate if unable to observe Ramadan or up to the standards of others but it is so important to never compare your journey to others. Sincerity over perfection, always
Lack of guidance: Without mentors, navigating religious questions can be confusing, leading to spiritual doubt. Reach out to a trusted Imam or mentor. No question is too small – advice, guidance or health exemptions are valid. Sometimes I find that even listening to an Islamic lecture or recitation of the Quran can give relief.
“The strongest among you are not those who lift others down, but those who lift others up.”
A call for compassion and action
Ramadan’s trials for care leavers underscore the need for community support. By advocating for inclusive policies, donating to charities, or simply extending an Iftar invitation, we can all help ease everyone’s journey. Let this Ramadan be a reminder to uplift those navigating faith and independence alone, ensuring no one fasts in isolation. Remember that every small act of faith – a whispered dua (prayer), a humble meal or showing up despite exhaustion – is a victory. Lean on community, seek support, and trust that no burden is insurmountable.
A Universal Truth
“Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.”
– Qur’an, Al-Baqarah (2:286)
This insightful verse reassures believers that no hardship placed upon them exceeds their ability to endure. For those facing the compounded challenges of Ramadan, this is a reminder that their strength is not a coincidence.
But this message transcends faith. To anyone enduring hardship, Muslim or not, the verse carries a universal truth: your soul is inherently capable of bearing the weight of your struggles. Life’s challenges are not designed to break you; they are invitations to uncover your inner determination. Whether you attribute this strength to faith, human spirit, or personal resolve, the principle remains – you are enough.
Ramadan teaches us that hardship and grace coexist. Let this month remind us all – care leavers, allies, and strangers alike – that resilience is not about weathering storms alone, but about recognising the strength within and around us. May we all strive to be pillars of support, making Ramadan a month of unity, hope, and shared strength for care leavers everywhere.
