What fasting is and why we do it

Allah made fasting in Ramadan required for Muslims who are able. Quran 2:183 says that fasting was written for the believers, as it was for people before them, so that they may gain taqwa (God-consciousness).

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Quran 2:185 says it is the month in which the Quran was sent down as guidance. Quran 2:183-187 gives the main rules of the fast, including the permission to eat and drink until the dawn thread of light is clear, and then to complete the fast until night.

The intention, suhoor and iftar

Most scholars say you make the intention (niyyah) in your heart before dawn for each fast. The intention is a decision of the heart. You do not need special words.

Suhoor is the meal before dawn. The Prophet ﷺ taught that there is blessing in it, so try not to skip it, even if it is small.

Iftar is the meal that ends the fast at sunset. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged hurrying to break the fast once the sun has set. Many Muslims break the fast with dates and water, as he often did. Then they pray Maghrib and eat a normal meal.

Check your local prayer times for the start and end of the fast, because they change by place and by day.

What the fast covers

The fast is more than food and drink. During the fast hours you avoid:

  • Eating and drinking.
  • Marital relations.
  • Bad speech, lying, arguing and anger. The Prophet ﷺ taught that Allah has no need of a person's hunger if they do not give up false speech and bad deeds.

If someone insults you, you can say, "I am fasting." Keep your fast calm and kind.

Who is excused

Islam gives ease to people who cannot fast. Quran 2:184-185 mentions the sick and the traveller, who may fast the same number of days later.

These groups are excused:

  • A person who is ill, if fasting would cause real harm or delay recovery.
  • A traveller on a real journey.
  • A woman during menstruation or post-natal bleeding. She must not fast and makes up the days later.
  • A pregnant or nursing woman, if she fears harm to herself or her child. Scholars differ on whether she only makes up the days or also gives fidya.
  • An elderly person who cannot fast, and a person with a long-term illness. They usually give fidya (feeding a poor person for each missed day) instead.

Most others make up the missed days after Ramadan. The details can depend on your situation, so ask a qualified local scholar if you are unsure.

Tips for a good Ramadan

  • Eat a balanced suhoor and drink water between iftar and dawn.
  • Sleep enough, and keep your daily plan simple.
  • Read some Quran each day and pray the night prayer (taraweeh) if you can.
  • Give charity, even in small amounts. The Prophet ﷺ was most generous in Ramadan.
  • Make dua (personal prayer) while you are fasting and near iftar. Many scholars recommend this time for dua.
  • Be patient with yourself. If this is your first Ramadan, build your routine step by step.

Remember that the goal is closeness to Allah, not only hunger.

General information for learning, not a fatwa. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.

Sources

  • Quran 2:183-187
  • Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of Fasting)
  • Sahih Muslim (Book of Fasting)
  • Jami at-Tirmidhi (Book of Fasting)