Muslims observe fast from the break of dawn to sunset. This means that nothing is to enter the body during that period of time. This includes food, water and smoking. Muslims must also abstain from marital relations; however, affection for one\u2019s spouse, such as hugging, is permitted.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAishah (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated: \u201cThe Prophet \ufdfa would kiss and caress his wives while he \ufdfa was fasting in Ramadan \u2015however, he was more able to control his desires than you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\nSahih Muslim<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nHugging is comparable to kissing. However, it is cautioned to abstain from such acts if one finds themselves unable to control their desire if such acts inadvertently lead to invalidating the fasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nMuslims break their fast at Sunset, and this meal is known as iftar. It is encouraged for Muslims to eat directly after sunset and not delay the iftar. Muslims around the world open their iftar with dates & water, in line with the Prophetic tradition. It is also encouraged for Muslims to provide meals to other Muslims breaking their fast. The Prophet Muhammad \ufdfa said
\u201cWhoever helps break the fast of a fasting person, he will have the same reward as him without decreasing anything from the reward of the fasting person.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n(Sunan al-Tirmidh\u012b)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nSuhoor (pre-dawn meal<\/em>) is a time in which Muslims eat a light meal before they begin the fast i.e. before sunset. Eating Suhoor is an act that the Prophet Muhammad \ufdfa performed, and is encouraged that Muslims emulate. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen does Ramadan end? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nRamadan ends with the first sighting of the new crescent moon, marking the start of Shawwal<\/strong>. Eid ul-Fitr<\/strong> is celebrated on this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Expected end: Friday, 20 March 2026<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exact day may vary depending on moon sighting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Eid ul-Fitr is a day of celebration<\/strong>, starting with congregational prayers and family gatherings. Fasting is forbidden on Eid<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen is Eid? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEid ul-Fitr which literally means “the festival of breaking the fast” occurs at the conclusion of Ramadan. Eid ul-Fitr is the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of Ramadan, which is 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the holy month.
During Ramadan, it is forbidden for Muslims to eat during the day, however on the first day of Eid it is forbidden for Muslims to fast, as it is a day of celebration and festivity for Muslims. The day commences with a congregational Eid Prayer after Sunrise, after which Muslims will then gather with their family & friends to celebrate with food & gifts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to fast during Ramadan. What are the rules of fasting?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOne must first make an intention to fast. The obligation of fasting is to then refrain from eating, drinking and marital relations from the break of dawn to sunset. Anything entering the body (including inhaling smoking, medication etc) will nullify the fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prophetic practice (sunnah<\/em>) is to have a light meal pre-dawn Suhoor, <\/em>then begin the fast (fajr). Muslims break their fast at sunset (maghrib prayer<\/em>) as soon as they hear the call to prayer (athan<\/em>). Through the teachings of the sunnah, it is recommended to break the fast on dates\/water, then proceed with the meal, which is referred to as Iftar.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat breaks my fast?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThat which breaks the fast can be divided into two categories. The first is that which is ingested and the second category is actions that lead to the bodily fluid being expelled from the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first category (that which is ingested) include eating, drinking, medicine, injection, pills, transfusions. Also, kidney dialysis; where blood is recycled back and put into the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second category which will break the fast include, sexual intercourse, masturbation, menstruation, vomiting (deliberately), postnatal bleeding. Note, there is a difference of opinion with cupping and blood donation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In regards to menstruation, it is not permitted for a woman to fast during the days she is menstruating. However, she is obliged to fast those missed days after Ramadan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a general guide. For specific circumstances please consult your local trusted Islamic scholar.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat if I accidentally break my fast during Ramadan? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf one sincerely forgot and accidentally ate or drank out of forgetfulness the fast is not broken. One will continue the fast and it does not require that fast to be repeated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe Prophet \ufdfa said: “Whoever eats out of forgetfulness while fasting, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah Who has fed him and given him to drink.”\u00a0<\/p>\nSunan Ibn Majah (Sahih)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nHowever, eating and drinking intentionally will break the fast. As soon as you are conscious that you are fasting and you swallow a morsel of food, the fast is then void.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I take prescription medication during Ramadan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDuring the prescribed fasting period (break of dawn to sunset) it is NOT permitted to take medication. If one has chronic sickness (an illness that persists for a long time) then there are requirements to be met. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this case, out of the mercy of Allah \ufdfb , if the Muslim is ill and cannot fast they then have an expiation (Kaffarah<\/em>); they pay an expiation for that day they did not fast. Definition of Kaffaraah means “atonement” or “expiation” and applies to one who deliberately breaks his fast during the fasting period. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor the one who is temporarily sick, they are permitted to break the fast of that day if they are in need of medication. If they are aware the sickness is going to harm them then they have the permission to abstain from fasting that day. After the month of Ramadan, they simply make up the fasting day they missed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a general guide. For specific circumstances please consult your local trusted Islamic scholar.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf I\u2019m sick do I have to fast during Ramadan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSickness is of two types. Chronic sickness and temporary sickness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chronic illness is a disease that persists for a long time. In this case, out of the Allah \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0647 \u0633\u0628\u062d\u0627\u0646\u0647 \u0648\u062a\u0639\u0627\u0644 mercy, due to the illness the Muslim cannot fast hence they have a Kaffarah; they pay an expiation for that day they did not fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the one who has a temporary sickness, they are permitted to break the fast of that day if they are in need of medication. If they are aware the sickness is going to harm them then they have the permission to abstain from fasting that day. After the month of Ramadan, they simply make up the fasting day they missed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a general guide. For specific circumstances please consult your local trusted Islamic scholar.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow should I spend my time during Ramadan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf Allah \ufdfb has blessed His servant with the opportunity to experience another Ramadan then one must seize the opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ramadan is our protective shield from the fire of hell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nProphet \ufdfa said, “Allah \ufdfb said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.’ Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins\u2026<\/p>\n(Bukhari) <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nEvery night Allah \ufdfb releases people that are deserving of Hellfire. Allah will allow the 8 gates of Paradise (Jannah<\/em>) to open and He will order Jannah to beautify itself. He will lock the gates of Hellfire (Jahannam<\/em>). Hence, this month is of great significance to the believer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nThe Prophet \ufdfa said “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are fettered.”\u00a0<\/p>\n(Sahih Bukhari) <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nTo best utilise our precious time in Ramadan is to increase that which Allah \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0647 \u0633\u0628\u062d\u0627\u0646\u0647 \u0648\u062a\u0639\u0627\u0644 has already made obligatory. This includes increasing one\u2019s voluntary prayer, daily supplications, increasing remembrance of God (dhikr<\/em>), charity (sadaqa<\/em>), exhibiting good character and reciting the Holy Quran.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAbstain from any acts that will take away from the spirituality of Ramadan. This can include sleeping long hours during the day. Let us not waste our time with frivolous pursuits, such as foolish talk and actions that are not beneficial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the best acts to do during Ramadan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nRamadan is a treasure that one must seek. We attain its blessings by increasing in that which Allah \ufdfb and His Prophet \ufdfa have already guided us to perform. This includes increasing our prayers such as Taraweeh and Tahajud, engaging in daily supplications (dua<\/em>), becoming more generous through our charity (sadaqah<\/em>) and displaying kindness and good treatment to our fellow humans (Ikram<\/em>). <\/p>\n\n\n\nRamadan is the month of the Quran, an opportunity for Muslims to reconnect and intensify their devotion to the Holy book and also to reflect on His words of guidance. Over the course of Ramadan, the entire Quran is commonly recited in the night congregational prayers (Taraweeh<\/em>). <\/p>\n\n\n\nAllah states in the Quran:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRamadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment [so that mankind will distinguish right from wrong].\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n(Quran 2:185)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nThere are many lessons to learn in the holy month. We come to the realisation that if we are able to voluntarily resist the necessities of life (such as food and water) for Him, then Allah \ufdfb is teaching us that we have the strength in us to obey Him throughout the year. Ramadan is our training ground and our spiritual recharge to allow us to weather the obstacles throughout the rest of the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other acts, which are considered Sunnan of Ramadan include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- To improve ones relations with family & relatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To spend periods of spiritual retreat (itikaf) in the mosque, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To break the fast of others after sunset, even if only with water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To eat suhur (a predawn meal), even if it is slight or consists of water alone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To hasten to break the fast when maghrib has entered. It is recommended to say after doing so, \u201cO Allah, for You I fasted, and upon your bounty I have broken the fast\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n