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. 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. By following the rules of fasting for Ramadan, Muslims maximize their rewards and spiritual growth, making fasting an essential part of Islamic life. 11 Rules of Fasting: What Should You Know for a Valid Ramadan Fast? For Muslims, one of the most significant religious obligations is to fast during the month of Ramadan. 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. The Meaning of Ramadan Fasting. Fasting during Ramadan means more than refraining from the consumption of food and drink during the day; it is a time to learn piety, self-control, and sympathy for the destitute. Ramadan is that month which, for Muslims, enhances the importance of worship, good deeds, and self-control. Emrah Gurel. FILE - Worshippers perform a night prayer called 'Tarawih' during the eve of the first day of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Turkey at the Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul 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. 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. 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. The month of Ramadan is generally the only time Muslims are obligated to fast, but the Prophet ﷺ would fast at various times throughout the year. He advised his Companions, depending on their capability, to fast three days a month. With regard to what was narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): [warning_box]"Whoever breaks the fast on one day in Ramadan, with no concession and no sickness, fasting an entire lifetime will not make up for it, even if he fasts it."[/warning_box] The only Islamic way to compensate for a missed fast is to pay 'Fidya,' a charitable donation The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching, with Muslims around the world preparing for around 30 days of fasting from pre-dawn to sunset. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the movements of the earth around the sun, the Islamic Hijri calendar follows a lunar calendar, meaning that the month can fall in different seasons of Since there are 12 lunar months superimposed over 12 solar months, Ramadan “moves back” about 11 days per solar year. In 2025, the first day of fasting is expected to be March 1, though given Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims, begins at sundown on February 28th and ends with Eid al-Fitr on March 30th. Laylat Al-Qadr, the holiest night of Ramadan, is How to practice healthy fasting during Ramadan 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. 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. Years later when the fast of Ramadan was made compulsory, the Angel Gabriel used to sit with Muhammad every day during Ramadan so that the latter could recite all that had been revealed so far of the Quran. In his final year, the Prophet recited the entire Quran twice in Ramadan. 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 How to practice healthy fasting during Ramadan 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. Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is a time of great devotion, self-discipline, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. In addition to being a guide for millions of individuals in their daily prayers, the exact fasting timings—which specify when to begin and end the fast each day—are crucial to this sacred observance.
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