Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest month in Islam. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Fasting in Ramadan is not optional—it is a compulsory act of worship for eligible Muslims and one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness).”
(Qur’an 2:183)
📖 1. How Is Ramadan Fasted?
Fasting (Sawm) during Ramadan means abstaining from:
- Food
- Drink (including water)
- Sexual relations
- Intentional acts that invalidate the fast
🕓 Duration:
From true dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
Allah says:
“Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until sunset.”
(Qur’an 2:187)
🌅 Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged eating Suhoor:
“Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.”
— Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
🌇 Iftar (Breaking the Fast)
The Sunnah is to break the fast immediately at sunset, traditionally with dates and water.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari
👥 2. Who Must Fast — And Who Is Exempt?
✅ Those Required to Fast:
Fasting is compulsory for every Muslim who is:
- Adult (has reached puberty)
- Mentally sound
- Physically able
- Resident (not traveling)
❗ Those Exempt from Fasting:
Allah says:
“Whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of days [are to be made up] later.”
(Qur’an 2:185)
The following are exempt:
- The sick
- Travelers
- Elderly and frail individuals
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (if fasting harms them or the baby)
- Women during menstruation or post-natal bleeding
📝 Making Up Missed Fasts
- Temporary illness/travel → Make up later.
- Permanent inability → Feed a poor person for each missed day (Fidya).
Regarding menstruation, Aisha (RA) said:
“We were commanded to make up the fasts but not the prayers.”
— Sahih Muslim
🚫 3. What Breaks the Fast?
The following actions invalidate the fast if done intentionally:
1️⃣ Eating or Drinking Deliberately
(Accidental eating does NOT break the fast.)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever forgets while fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who fed him and gave him drink.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari
2️⃣ Sexual Relations During Fasting Hours
This is a major violation and requires:
- Making up the fast
- Heavy expiation (freeing a slave; if not possible, fasting 60 consecutive days; if unable, feeding 60 poor people)
(Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari)
3️⃣ Intentional Vomiting
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever vomits unintentionally does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits deliberately must make it up.”
— Reported in Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi
4️⃣ Menstruation or Post-Natal Bleeding
If it begins during fasting hours, the fast becomes invalid.
⚠️ Actions That Do NOT Break the Fast (But Reduce Reward)
- Lying
- Backbiting
- Gossip
- Arguing
- Using foul language
The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him leaving his food and drink.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari
🌟 4. What Is Important for a Person Who Is Fasting?
Ramadan is not only about hunger—it is about spiritual transformation.
🕌 1. Establishing Prayer
- Perform the five daily prayers on time.
- Attend Taraweeh prayers at night.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have his past sins forgiven.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
📖 2. Reciting the Qur’an
Ramadan is the month the Qur’an was revealed:
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind…”
(Qur’an 2:185)
Muslims are encouraged to read, reflect, and complete the Qur’an during this month.
💰 3. Giving Charity
The Prophet ﷺ was known for being especially generous in Ramadan. Charity (Sadaqah and Zakat) holds multiplied reward.
🤲 4. Making Dua (Supplication)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are three whose supplication is not rejected… the fasting person when he breaks his fast…”
— Reported in Ibn Majah
🧠 5. Developing Taqwa (God-Consciousness)
The ultimate purpose of fasting is to develop self-control and closeness to Allah.
Ramadan trains a Muslim to:
- Control desires
- Practice patience
- Increase gratitude
- Strengthen discipline
- Build empathy for the poor
🕋 The Spiritual Essence of Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of:
- Mercy
- Forgiveness
- Spiritual elevation
- Self-purification
It includes Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree), described in the Qur’an as:
“Better than a thousand months.”
(Qur’an 97:3)
🌙 Final Reflection
Fasting in Ramadan is not merely abstaining from food and drink—it is a complete act of worship that transforms the heart, mind, and soul.
When observed correctly—with sincerity, prayer, Qur’an, and good character—Ramadan becomes a life-changing journey toward righteousness and closeness to Allah.