Balancing Ramadan in the Legal Profession
As the mentorship chair for the American Muslim Bar Association and founder of the initiative of Purposeful Lawyering, I wanted to take the time to write an encouraging piece as you engage in the study for the LSAT, application matters, Law School study, and exams, and working as a lawyer during the Holy month of Ramadan. It is very easy to struggle during Ramadan when you are in the legal world simply because of the cognitive demands of the profession. Long hours and increased focus are necessary. I studied for the Bar exam one year during Ramadan. Some of my reflections are lessons learned.
I wanted to write some tips to help ease the stress and increase the spiritual improvement of the month. The first point I would like to highlight is that no two Ramadanis are the same. You might spend one year filled with social and community gatherings, Quran reading, and nightly prayer services at the mosque. Another year, you might be prepping for the April LSAT or studying for midterms. Accepting your life stage is crucial to gaining the most you can from your faith.
Adjusting your Routine
First and foremost, you have to change your routine to accommodate the changes in the season. As we often hear in law school, that law school is a marathon, not a sprint. Ramadan is also a marathon not a sprint. The way to prepare for a marathon is to have a plan. Take out your calendar and put in the high-priority professional and personal items. Recognize that you will need extra sleep and pay more careful attention to your nutrition during those days. I look at things over a week to recognize how much my energy should be portioned to different things. A friend and colleague of mine has created a Ramadan Journal which can help keep you organized. https://www.amazon.com/Ramadan-Planner-Journal-Sukoon-Sarah/dp/B0CY59X54V
Focusing on Energy bursts
Second, if you can work when we have the most energy, which is after Iftar and Suhoor, please do that. It is when you are most focused. Try to use the flexibility of your schedule as a student to your advantage. Please explain the shifting needs to your supervisor if you are comfortable. Then, find pockets of time signed on to regular business hours so you are on top of client communication and communication with your supervisor. Substantive work can be done around the times that you have eaten, to ensure that it is the best possible version.
Self Care
Third, focus on sleep, nutrition, hydration, and light movement. Eating nutritious meals is essential, as our brain health is connected to the foods we eat. Make sure you drink water throughout non-fasting hours to keep your energy up. Go out for a gentle walk during the day or close to Iftar so that you can still see the sun.
Spiritual goals
Fourth, figure out your spiritual goals. Scheduling pockets of time will be a great way to keep you motivated. If you are planning on reading the Quran in its entirety this month, then figure out when you are reading it every day. Allow yourself to look forward to the time you want to spend with the Holy Book. If you plan on going to the mosque in the evenings, figure out how to accomplish what you need around those times.
A good idea is to pick something to learn close to your study area. I focus on Islamic inheritance laws, so I am always more interested in delving deeper into that. Islam’s foundational systems of justice are interesting to me, even if they are not something I practice in day-to-day life; the study helps keep me focused and revitalize my work in my profession.
Social Time
Fifth, this is the month of gatherings, so find time to gather with people over Iftar, morning meals, or the weekend. Join a group reading the Quran or an exercise group finding ways to keep up their health routine during the month. The more you are in spaces with people going through the same experience as you, the easier it will feel.
If there is a way, I can be more helpful, please do not hesitate to contact me!