During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims are obligated to fast (Arabic: صوم, sawm; Persian: روزہ, rozeh), every day from dawn to sunset. Fasting requires the abstinence from sex, food, drinking, and smoking. Here’s essential rules of Ramadan fasting that ensure the faithful observance of Ramadan fasting as prescribed by Islamic teachings. The requirements for Ramadan fasting mandate abstaining from dawn to sunset for healthy adults, with exemptions for certain groups. A man looks at members of the Malaysian Islamic authority as they perform the “Rukyah Hilal Ramadan,” the sighting of the new moon to determine the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, File) Muslims must have the intention to fast every night during the month of Ramadan. They also must abstain from acts that nullify the fast: eating, drinking, smoking, engaging in sexual intercourse, intentionally vomiting, menstruating, or bleeding during childbirth. Ramadan, in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle. Fasting is a pillar of Islam during Ramadan and beyond, so you will learn about days you may voluntarily fast to reap enormous rewards. You will learn about the virtues of Ramadan and the additional acts of worship encouraged during it, such as reading the Qur’an and generously giving in charity. The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink – not even a sip of water is allowed – from dawn to sunset before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast for 30 days until the day of Eid al-Fitr. Fasting is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, obligatory acts of worship for every Muslim. Fasting during Ramadan means abstinence from all food or drink, including water and chewing gum, from dawn to sunset. It is recommended that before sunrise, Muslims eat a prefast meal known as suhur. This meal often resembles breakfast, but in some cultures it may include more dinner-like foods. Fasting generally entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from before the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun. Muslims are required to fast on each of the 29 to 30 days of Ramadan. If unable to fast, charity or fasting days outside Ramadan may suffice. If someone is unable to fast, they can make up the fast later or, if they cannot fast at all, feed a poor person as a way to make up for it. Even if children are not required to fast, they can still participate in Ramadan by doing small fasts for a few hours, helping prepare food, or learning more about Islam. The Basic Rules of Fasting The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months, with each month lasting between 29 and 30 days, depending on the moon's sighting. The beginning of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the new Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which lay the basis for how Muslims are required to live their lives. when they break their fast with an evening meal, called iftar Once Ramadan is over, it's Eid - the festival of breaking the fast. Celebrations for Eid last for three days, during which people gather to celebrate the end of the holy month. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. Muslims believe this month was when God began to reveal the Qur’an to Muhammad in 610. While there are some exceptions, Muslims are told to fast during Ramadan. The fasting means nothing consumed, including water, from the first light of sunrise, until the sun is fully set. By following the local sunset times, putting faith in reliable time sources, and observing traditional customs, Muslims can ensure that they break their fast appropriately. What Breaks Your Fast During Ramadan? During Ramadan, understanding what invalidates a fast is crucial for Muslims observing this sacred month. Fidyah: If someone is unable to fast due to a long-term illness or old age, they must pay Fidyah by feeding a person in need for each missed fast. Kaffarah: If someone deliberately breaks a fast without a valid reason, they must fast for 60 consecutive days or feed 60 people in need as compensation. FILE - People break their fasts during the Muslim's holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024. 5. How long do Muslims fast during Ramadan? The duration of fasting during Ramadan varies depending on geographic location. Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), which typically lasts between 11 to 20 hours, depending on the time of year and where they are in the world. Break the fast in moderation. The daily fast’s duration can vary by location depending on the hours of daylight. Experts say to take it easy and listen to the body while fasting. Elfakhani tries to slow down during the day in between teaching stints and catches up on work after the evening iftar meal.
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