How to Balance Your Music Schedule During Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is an important religious celebration in the calendar, observed by Muslims across the world as a time of fasting, prayer and reflection. 

Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims where they observe fast with no eating or drinking from dawn until sunset.

Samara Ahmad, ICMP's Visa Compliance Manager for Students, said: "Ramadan is a spiritual month which teaches through self-deprivation, it encourages Muslims to consider those less fortunate than themselves."

"Fasting is a means of purifying the body as well as the spirit, as it gives the body a rest from the continuous task of digesting food. Ramadan teaches people how to be patient and grateful for all the blessings which most people around the world don't have. Anyone can observe fast during this month which not only have spiritual but physical benefits as well."

Fasting

Fasting is certainly an important element of Ramadan and involves complete abstinence from food, drink and smoking between dawn and sunset.

In 2024, this runs from 10th March up until 9th April with Eid celebrations taking place on 10th April. 

As a music industry professional, artist or musician who observes Ramadan, many of your profession's normal behaviours might not be appropriate to follow during this time.

Fasting from dawn till dusk can also have a significant impact on your energy levels - and this raises questions about how you should manage this while balancing the responsibilities of your work or studies. 

At ICMP, we understand that many people choose to celebrate Ramadan in different ways and for some making music at this time isn't possible.

However, for those who are, here's some advice on how to stay on track and juggle your commitments effectively.

• Set Priorities and Boundaries
• Remember to Manage your Energy Levels
• Keep Hydrated and Fed when You Can
• Work Out Your Schedule and Commitments for the Month
• Tailor Your Schedule Appropriately
• Communicate with Band, Managers and Clients
• Remember to Give Yourself a Break
• Utilise Your Networks for Support
• Follow Your Spiritual Path
• Reflect on Yourself

Set Priorities and Boundaries

Many who observe the holy month feel that Ramadan is a time to devote to spiritual reflection and devotion. The boundaries you set depend on how you view the month - as we’ve mentioned above this is different for everyone.

For some Muslims, any behaviours associated with music just don't sit right. Work out what you are comfortable with and set out priorities before Ramadan begins. 

Remember to Manage your Energy Levels

Fasting as part of Ramadan means avoiding food and drink during daylight hours - and doing so can impact your energy levels and concentration. 

This means you must plan your musical activities accordingly.

When you can, try and schedule tasks that require the most mental or physical energy at times of the day when you feel most alert and energised, such as after Iftar."

This is a light evening meal consumed when the evening call to prayer is made and you can break the fast.

Keep Hydrated and Fed when You Can

During a period of fasting, it's sensible to be careful to watch what you eat and maintain a healthy diet. It's best to avoid drinking too much caffeine or sugary foods as both can leave you dehydrated or feeling sluggish later. 

Instead, try and focus on eating healthily during the periods of the day when you are allowed to break the fast. This means fruit, vegetables and slow-energy releasing foods at Iftar or earlier in the day as part of Suhoor, your pre-dawn meal.

Being careful about what you eat should hopefully help make fasting in the daylight hours easier. 

Work Out Your Schedule and Commitments for the Month

It's clear that Ramadan can be exhausting for some observers of the religious celebration. If you are continuing your musical commitments, then try and adjust your diary around fasting and prayer times. 

If you are a musician or performer, then organising rehearsals or live shows during non-fasting hours can help you stay on an even keel and avoid becoming too tired or run down. 

Tailor Your Schedule Appropriately 

While some musicians and professionals take time away from music for the whole of Ramadan, others will continue to play or perform.

Still, it's important to remember to be mindful of your musical activities during the month. Many aim to strike a balance between pursuing their career and commitment to their spiritual practice. 

Communicate with Band, Managers and Clients

If you are engaging in Ramadan, but have musical commitments or performances already in the diary, then try and let those you work with know what is expected of you during the month. 

Try and give others as much notice as possible about the times of the day you are available for work or music.

If you give others advance warning of what you can and cannot do, then it opens greater up flexibility and gives them time to prepare for your potential absence from a live show or important meeting."

Remember to Give Yourself a Break 

As important as your music is to you and your career, you also need to remember to be kind to yourself during Ramadan.

Trying to work while also trying to fast and sticking to your work commitments can be physically exhausting and draining. Remember to listen to the needs of your body and rest when required. If you don't, then you put yourself at risk of becoming burnt out. 

Utilise Your Networks for Support

It can be a draining month for some and lead to low energy levels. If you find the commitments of Ramadan challenging, then you should reach out to your different networks for support. 

Whether it be family, friends or other musicians or artists going through similar experiences, don't just bottle up any concerns or issues you face. It's always better to discuss them with others rather than keep them bottled up inside. Lean on others for emotional support and assistance when you need it. 

Follow Your Spiritual Path

Spirituality is at the heart of the religious month of Ramadan.

If you are comfortable with doing so, then music can be used as a form of worship or deployed to enhance your religious practice during this period."

Use it as a way to forge an even deeper connection with your spirituality. This is not for everyone but if it feels right for you, then go for it. 

Reflect on Yourself 

Ramadan is a great opportunity to take some time out of your usual schedule and work on yourself.

Amid your religious commitments, set aside some time to consider where you are headed at the moment. Consider growth, self-improvement and utilise the heightened sense of self and community that comes with the celebration to add more fuel and structure to your plans.