Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of Ramadan fasting status (RFS) on academic performance (AP) by analysing the mediating role of neurocognitive adaptability (NA) (decision-making, creativity and problem-solving abilities). It further evaluates the moderating role of physical activity level (PAL) on the relationship between RFS and NA, and investigates sleep quality (SQ) as a second-order moderator that conditions the strength of this PAL-moderated relationship (a moderated moderation effect). Furthermore, the study explores the moderating role of PAL in the association between Ramadan fasting and NA, and examines whether SQ conditions this moderating effect, thereby testing a moderated moderation model. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey design was used, involving 330 stratified randomly selected students. Data were analysed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), measurement modelling and structural equation modelling assessed direct effects, mediation and moderation. Moderation and moderated moderation effects were examined using multi-group structural equation modelling in AMOS after mean-centring and categorizing physical activity and SQ into high and low groups. Findings RFS was positively associated with NA, which, in turn, was significantly related to AP. NA served as a significant mediator in the relationship between fasting and AP. PAL significantly moderated the relationship between fasting and adaptability, while SQ further conditioned this moderation effect, indicating a moderated moderation structure. Research limitations/implications This study was geographically limited and culturally specific. Future research should test the model broadly, and across multicultural Islamic contexts longitudinally or experimentally, to clarify causal implications. Practical implications Academic institutions could develop academic calendars and well-being programmes aligned with Ramadan. These efforts could promote longer-lasting benefits of Ramadan for students’ cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Mindfulness interventions (e.g. short yoga) might offer some enhancement for the fasting benefits for students. Social implications The implications of this study highlight how Ramadan fasting can foster cognitive resilience among Muslim youth and reinforce the alignment of Islamic spirituality with mental wellness. Originality/value This research presents new evidence linking fasting in Ramadan to cognitive performance through NA, which is a contributing factor to educational psychology and cognitive science.
Panakaje et al. (Wed,) studied this question.