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. 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. Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran. 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 Arabic. Those fasting are expected to also refrain from bad deeds, such as gossiping, and to increase good deeds. What is Ramadan Fasting? Ramadan fasting, also known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam – the core practices of the religion. It involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) each day for the entire month of Ramadan. 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. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. Ramadan fasting is one of the most observed of all the pillars of Islam, with 70-80% of Muslims practising it. It is obligatory for all Muslims, men and women, from the age of puberty. Parents Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by practicing Muslims as a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. It commemorates the first revelation of Muhammed and, as such, observance of the month is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. 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 Arabic. Ramadan is that month for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. From dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from food, drink, and sexual relations to focus on spiritual growth and self-discipline. The reason fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan is like fasting for a year is because Allah multiplies good deeds by ten. The Prophet clarified in another narration, “Fasting the month of Ramadan is like ten months of fasting and fasting six days of Shawwal is like two months of fasting. Thus, they are like fasting for a year.” Fasting the lunar month of Ramadan is such an important Pillar of Islam that Muslims believe that if one dies without having made up the missed fasts, the guardian (or heir) must make them up, for they are a debt owed to Allah. The end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called 'Eid ul-Fitr' (the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast). Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the Discover the significance of Ramadan 2025, its history, fasting rules, key dates, and why it holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide. Learn about Laylat al-Qadr, Eid, and the importance of giving during this sacred month. Fasting for Ramadan is one of the five pillars, meaning it is mandatory for all able Muslims and forms a significant aspect of their devotion to Allah. To Attain Piety Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: The Health Benefits of Ramadan Fasting. Fasting during Ramadan serves a whole bunch of health-related purposes besides just spiritual goals. The fasting time cleanses your body; improves the digestive system; marries some resetting of eating habits, and many Muslims say they also experience mental clarity and focus in huge chunks. Fasting in Shawwal (the month following Ramadan): One may follow the day of Eid-ul-Fitr with six days of voluntary fasting, during the Islamic month of Shawwal. The Holy Prophet (sa) is reported to have said that whosoever does so will be rewarded as if they had fasted perpetually. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar during which the Holy Quran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).. During this time, Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, a command given to Muslims in the Quran itself, instructing believers to observe fasting as an act of devotion and self-discipline. So while fasting is the basis of the month of Ramadan, the spirit of Ramadan is much more than the mechanical act of abstaining from food and other desires. To reap the full rewards of Ramadan, one should keep in mind that it is a great time to reconnect with God, with our own self and with the community around us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The prayer of a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is never rejected.” (Sunan Ibn Majah) 10. Preparation for the Rest of the Year. Ramadan serves as a spiritual training ground, equipping Muslims with the discipline, patience, and piety needed to face the challenges of the rest of the year.
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