Regarding those who do not fast in Ramadan due to school examinations, al-Lajnah ad-Da’imah (Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Verdicts) said:

An individual is not permitted to not fast/break his fast due to an exam. Rather, one should prepare [for the exam] during the night and not break his fast.

Also, it is upon those in charge to conduct the exam before or after Ramadan. However, whenever the student is trialled with that (i.e. examinations during Ramadan) and the exam is not postponed then this does not permit him to not fast/break his fast due to that.

Allah said:

“…and whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out [from every difficulty].” (Surah al-Talaq 65:2)

Allah said:

“…and whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him.” (Surah al-Talaq 65:4)

It is obligatory to not be lackadaisical and one should do everything they able to in order to pass the exam in sha Allah and one should not fall into that which Allah has prohibited. Allah will aid him if he is truthful in that and He will make his affair easy with regard to passing [examinations) and being successful.

In addition, as we have already mentioned, it is upon those in charge to fear Allah with regard to the students and take into consideration their circumstances, aiding them to do. good. Every year, they should conduct exams before or after Ramadan. This is what is upon them as Allah said:

“…and help one another in al-Birr and at-Taqwá (virtue, righteousness and peity).” (Surah Maidah 5:2)

In addition, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Allah is in the aid of the servant as long as the servant is in the aid of his brother.” (Sahih Muslim)

Taken from: Fatăwá al-Lajnah ad-Da imah (v. 16 p. 176)

Originally published: 9 May 2018