Fasting in Ramadan is one of the great acts of worship in Islam.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. They avoid food, drink, and other things that break the fast while seeking the pleasure of ALLAH.
This guide explains the basics for beginners.
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
It is the month in which the Quran was revealed.
ALLAH says:
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind...”
Quran 2:185, Noble Quran translation by Dr. Hilali and Dr. Muhsin Khan.
Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, Quran, repentance, charity, self-control, and closeness to ALLAH.
What Is Fasting?
Fasting is called sawm in Arabic.
Sawm means to abstain.
In Ramadan, a Muslim fasts from true dawn until sunset by avoiding the things that break the fast.
For beginners, the basic fast means:
- Do not eat from Fajr until Maghrib.
- Do not drink from Fajr until Maghrib.
- Avoid marital intimacy during the fasting hours.
- Avoid sins and bad behavior.
- Make the intention to fast for ALLAH.
Fajr is the dawn prayer time. Maghrib is the sunset prayer time.
The Quranic Command to Fast
ALLAH says:
“O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun.”
Quran 2:183, Noble Quran translation by Dr. Hilali and Dr. Muhsin Khan.
This verse teaches that fasting is not only about hunger. It is meant to build taqwa.
Taqwa means being conscious of ALLAH, obeying Him, and protecting yourself from what displeases Him.
Fasting Is One of the Pillars of Islam
Fasting Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) taught that Islam is built on five pillars, including fasting Ramadan.
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
This shows how important Ramadan is in a Muslim’s life.
Why Muslims Fast
Muslims fast because ALLAH commanded it.
Fasting also teaches:
- Taqwa.
- Self-control.
- Gratitude.
- Patience.
- Mercy for the poor.
- Discipline.
- Awareness of ALLAH.
- Control over desires.
- Love for the Quran and worship.
Fasting trains the body and heart to obey ALLAH.
Intention for Fasting
A Muslim fasts for ALLAH.
Intention means the purpose in the heart.
A beginner does not need to say a long formula out loud. The basic intention is that you know in your heart you are fasting Ramadan for ALLAH.
Detailed rulings about when and how intention must be made can differ in some cases, so ask a qualified scholar if you need specific guidance.
Suhoor: The Pre-Dawn Meal
Suhoor is the meal eaten before Fajr.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) encouraged suhoor and taught that there is blessing in it.
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Suhoor can be simple:
- Water.
- Dates.
- Oatmeal.
- Eggs.
- Bread.
- Fruit.
- Rice or other filling food.
Try to drink enough water and avoid overeating.
Iftar: Breaking the Fast
Iftar means breaking the fast at sunset.
When Maghrib time enters, the fast ends.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) would break the fast before praying Maghrib.
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Many Muslims break the fast with dates and water, then pray Maghrib and eat a meal.
Do not delay iftar unnecessarily after sunset.
What Breaks the Fast?
For beginners, the clearest things that break the fast include:
- Eating intentionally during fasting hours.
- Drinking intentionally during fasting hours.
- Marital intimacy during fasting hours.
Other matters can be more detailed and should not be answered casually.
Examples that need qualified guidance include:
- Medicine.
- Injections.
- Vomiting.
- Nosebleeds.
- Toothpaste.
- Mistakes.
- Forgetfulness.
- Menstruation.
- Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding.
- Travel.
- Illness.
If you are unsure, ask a qualified scholar or trusted local Islamic authority.
Who May Be Excused?
Some people may be excused from fasting or may have special rulings.
Examples include:
- People who are seriously ill.
- Travelers.
- Menstruating women.
- Women with postnatal bleeding.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women in some situations.
- Elderly people who cannot fast.
- People with medical conditions.
The details are important and can differ by situation.
This article does not give personal rulings. Ask a qualified scholar and medical professional when needed.
Ramadan Is More Than Not Eating
Fasting is not only avoiding food and drink.
A Muslim should also avoid:
- Lying.
- Backbiting.
- Insults.
- Anger without control.
- Looking at haram.
- Wasting time.
- Cheating.
- Bad language.
- Arguments without benefit.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) warned that if a person does not leave false speech and bad action, ALLAH has no need for that person leaving food and drink.
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari.
This teaches that fasting should improve character.
Quran in Ramadan
Ramadan is the month of the Quran.
A beginner can start small:
- Read a few verses daily.
- Listen to Quran recitation.
- Read translation.
- Learn one short surah.
- Reflect on one lesson.
- Attend a simple Quran lesson if available.
Do not feel overwhelmed. Build a daily connection with the Quran.
Taraweeh Prayer
Taraweeh is the night prayer prayed in Ramadan.
Many mosques pray Taraweeh after Isha.
Taraweeh is a great opportunity to hear Quran and worship ALLAH during Ramadan.
This article does not explain detailed Taraweeh rulings, number of rakahs, or local mosque differences.
Charity in Ramadan
Ramadan is a time of generosity.
A Muslim should try to give charity if able.
Charity can include:
- Feeding someone.
- Donating money.
- Helping family.
- Supporting the poor.
- Helping a mosque.
- Helping a new Muslim.
- Sharing beneficial knowledge.
Even small charity can be valuable when done sincerely.
A Simple Ramadan Day for Beginners
Here is a simple routine:
Wake up for suhoor.
Make intention to fast for ALLAH.
Pray Fajr.
Avoid food, drink, and sins during the day.
Pray the daily prayers.
Read or listen to some Quran.
Make dua before iftar.
Break the fast at Maghrib.
Pray Maghrib.
Pray Isha and Taraweeh if able.
Start small and stay consistent.
Common Questions
Do I have to fast Ramadan?
Fasting Ramadan is obligatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions. Some people have valid excuses or special rulings. Ask a qualified scholar if you have a specific situation.
What if I accidentally eat or drink?
There is a hadith about someone who forgetfully eats or drinks while fasting. Ask a qualified scholar if you are unsure about your case.
What if I am sick?
Illness can affect fasting rulings. Speak to a qualified scholar and a medical professional if fasting may harm you.
What if I miss a fast?
Missed fasts have rulings depending on the reason. This article does not explain all cases. Ask a qualified scholar about your situation.
Can I brush my teeth while fasting?
This topic has details and should be learned from qualified guidance. Ask a trusted scholar or local Islamic authority if you are unsure.
What if Ramadan feels hard?
Start with the obligations and ask ALLAH for help. Eat suhoor, rest when possible, avoid wasting energy, and focus on one day at a time.
Key Takeaways
- Fasting Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam.
- Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
- Fasting means avoiding food, drink, marital intimacy, and sinful behavior during fasting hours.
- Fasting builds taqwa, patience, gratitude, and self-control.
- Suhoor and iftar are important parts of the fasting day.
- Ramadan is also a month of Quran, prayer, dua, charity, and repentance.
- Detailed personal situations need qualified guidance.
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This guide provides general Islamic education. It is not a personal fatwa or medical advice. Fasting rulings can depend on health, travel, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, missed fasts, and personal circumstances. If you have a specific situation, ask a qualified scholar and a medical professional when needed.