Q: Right now am at college at i had a bad first year i really need to pull my socks up this year and i cant do that while ma fasting because I have a low concentration span in the first place and fasting makes that even worse plus My sleeps ireegular i get like 5 hours sleep a day.
A: Salaam Ramdan Mubarak! I was in a very similar situation to you. I just finished my first year at college, didn't do as well as I should have and really need to focus this year to achieve the grades I need to get into a good Uni. I understand how you may feel that fasting will affect you concentration and therefor make you suffer at college when you should infact be working harder. I too am easily distracted and find it hard to concentrate in class. However, to me, not fasting didn't really seem an option. As I've fasted since i was about 12, it wouldn't seem right to all of a sudden not fast one year for the sake of my studies, especially as there is no guarantee i will make any real improvement in the first month of college alone. And as many people have already said, you have no real reason not to fast, you'r not ill or anything, so technically your not allowed to not fast lol. Personally, I made the choice to fast this year because although I know it will be hard, that is the point after all, and I felt that, the prayer i will be doing during this month (I never used to pray usually) will give me the strength to concentrate on my studies as much as i need to, and i think there is reward in making such a sacrifice. You are fasting for Allah and InshaAllah he will reward you for doing so as he knows your struggle at college. Of course this is my own opinion, and my decision to fast was also based on other factors, because I feel I need to become a better Muslim and am going to use this Ramadan as an opportunity to increase my knowledge and understanding of Islam and start practising properly so that InshAllah i will continue to do so after Ramadan. Today was my first day back at college, and it was only a half day but I did struggle, just adjusting to the routine again. But i really did feel refreshed and prepared after I did my Zuhr namaaz at college, which I've never done before. And although it is difficult waking up at Sehri, and haven't had as much sleep as I really need, praying Fajr made me feel prepared for the day ahead of me. So basically, even though i really do get where your coming from, i dont think its acceptable not to fast because of your studies, as i think by fasting you will become intune with the purpose of Ramadan, which is infact to better yourself on the whole which will include disciplining yourself in all aspects, including your work at college. and on top of this, praying really will giv you strength when you're feeling tired, and when you pray, Allah will InshAllah answer your Du'as in return for fasting for Him. I do know a boy at college who has decided not to fast for the same reason, but i havent spoken much to him about it. I would advise you to think about what is truly important to you. I know theres pressure to do well at college and get into Uni, but at the end of the day Allah is the most important thing in your life and you should do everything you can to please Him. I believe it's possible to fast and study properly, I'm going to try this month. I hope I've helped you at least a bit or showed you that you'e not the only one in his position. Do what you think is best for you I pray you make a good choice, and have a happy and blessed Ramadan and that we both do well this year InshAllah