What are the Ramadan Rules?
The month of Ramadan is a sacred time of the year for Muslims around the world.
There are strict rules to follow during Ramadan that Muslims must abide by. We are going to explain the basic Ramadan fasting rules below so you can best prepare for Ramadan.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is also one of the five pillars of Islam. It presents the best opportunity for Muslims to pray, donate, and perform good deeds to reap rewards to hopefully enter paradise.
“There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month, which Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has enjoined you to fast. In it the gates of heavens are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and every devil is chained up.”
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Ramadan Fasting Rules
Ramadan is observed to fulfil the fourth pillar of Islam. This means Muslims don’t eat food or drink any liquids from sunrise to sunset every day of the holy month.
Beyond food during the sunlight hours, there are a number of other things that should be abstained from during this time, including:
- Swearing
- Lying
- Fighting/arguing
- Sexual activity or thoughts
Ramadan is a month of self-reflection. One should try their best to remove themselves from environments where foul language, arguments, and bad behaviour are enabled.
Who can fast in Ramadan?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat food or drink any liquids from sunrise to sunset.
Those participating in fasting usually wake up before sunrise to eat a meal called Suhoor or Sehri. As the adhan calls for Magrib prayer, one breaks their fast with a post-sunset meal called Iftar.
But not every Muslim will be able to fast during Ramadan. The following people are exempt:
- Young children
- The elderly
- Sick
- Pregnant
- Nursing
- Menstruating
- Travelling long distances
What happens if I miss a fast?
If you miss a fast, you are liable to either make it up or pay Fidya.
For those who cannot fast during the month of Ramadan or who miss a few days, it is preferred that they make up their fast later in the year. If it is not possible for a person to make up the fast during the year, for example for health reasons, they may pay Fidya in the form of a charitable donation.