Ramadan is more than just a month marked on the Islamic calendar, it is a spiritual journey of faith, resilience, and empathy that unifies Muslims worldwide through great spiritual growth. This holy month calls for a person to engage in unique devotion to the almighty Allah. Whether you are a practising Muslim or just a curious visitor, there are certain Ramadan fasting rules that you wish to know.

So before knowing the Ramadan rules first we will know about what is Ramadan, it’s spiritual significance, history that makes it a month of enlightenment and renewal.

Also Read:- Riazul Jannah – A Garden of Paradise

What is Ramadan?

“Ramadan” is a word itself, derived from the Arabic root word “Ramad,” meaning “scorching heat” or “dryness”. This reflects the intense heat of the Arabic desert climate, and metaphorically it suggests the “burning” away of sins and earthly desires.

The month was probably named to reflect the difficulty of fasting under such conditions and the extreme dedication and spiritual purification involved in Ramadan. 

Observed in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is considered to be the holiest month in the life of Muslims dedicated to fasting, praying, and self-reflecting. But what exactly transpires in this period of a month, and why is it done with so much dedication?

There are five Pillars of Islam essentially that make up a Muslim’s spiritual life. Each pillar is a demonstration of commitment to God, good daily practices, moral behaviour, and spiritual fulfilment.

Among the Five Pillars of Islam, is fasting or “Sawm.” Fasting takes a very unique role among these pillars because it challenges the believers to go beyond the ritual and engage in deep self-reflection.

The celebration of Ramadan is, by Islamic tradition, deeply rooted in the time when the Quran, the Islamic holy book, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The holy Quran’s revelation is God’s final guidance for mankind.

This sacred event occurred on the night of Laylat al-Qadr ( Night of Power) which falls during the last ten days of Ramadan. During Ramadan, for a whole month, Muslims fast from dawn till sunset every day without taking in food and water and even abstain from other bodily needs like smoking and sexual relations. 

Also Read:- How to Prepare for Umrah

History of Ramadan – The Story Behind It

The roots of Ramadan go back over 1,400 years into the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It was during this month in the year 610 CE that the first verses of the holy Quran came to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by the angel Gabriel.

The night of revelation of Quranic verses is said to have occurred within the final ten nights of the month of Ramadan which is also known as Laylat al-Qadr or “The Night of Power.” It is also considered to be the holiest night of the calendar year for Muslims worldwide.

The revelations came in the silent solitude of Hira Cave near Mecca, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would usually seek answers to life and humankind’s purpose as he meditated. Indeed, the first message from the angel Gabriel confirmed the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) marking the very beginning of the Islamic faith.

For Muslims, Ramadan presents an opportunity to remember the solemn event when divine guidance started reaching humanity through fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Historically, Ramadan has made Muslims across cultures and continents unite in this shared observance. People of different backgrounds celebrate this one month of faith in common. Observance of Ramadan from the time of the Prophet down to the present dates marks an era of continuation to remind people of devotion and the importance of sacrifice in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

Also Read:- Five Pillars of Islam

Why do the Dates of Ramadan Change Every Year?

The timing of Ramadan varies from year to year since it follows the lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This means the Islamic calendar will shift over the years and Ramadan will fall in different seasons over the years.

Thus, for example, while Ramadan may occur during spring one year, it shifts either to winter or summer the following years. This natural rotation further reflects that the faith is universal, ensuring each Muslim in every corner of this world faces exclusive difficulties and graces of each season that comes with fasting.

The sighting of a new moon marks the beginning of the month of Ramadan. Muslims across the world look for confirmation before beginning their fast. The month of Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days depending on the moon sightings. And, at the end, comes the festival of Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan. During this festival, people hold communal prayers, feast, and give alms to others.

So to answer the question – What is the time of Ramadan? Well, it changes every year depending on the moon sightings.

Also Read:- A Guide to Ziyarat in Mecca & Medina

Why Do Muslims Fast During Ramadan?

Muslims around the world fast during Ramadan to fulfil a commandment given in the Holy Quran. God instructed Muslims to fast as this was prescribed for those before them so that they may learn piety and self-restraint. 

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous”.

[Al-Baqarah 2-183]  

Beyond conforming to God’s command, fasting is of great symbolism. It teaches self-control, humility, and compassion as it allows Muslims to empathise with those in hunger and poverty each day.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) pointed out the spiritual benefits of fasting, saying that it will purify the soul because it will help eliminate pride and selfishness. By enduring hunger, Muslims can have solidarity with those in need and eventually become better human beings taking care of each other. 

Also Read:- Benefits of fasting During Ramadan

Besides fasting, Muslims have time for prayer, recitation of the Quran, and other good deeds during Ramadan. Every action during Ramadan, from charity to forgiveness, is a reminder of the divine connection and a way to elevate one’s faith.

Must follow Ramadan Fasting Rules

Fasting in Ramadan involves many specific rules, guidelines and etiquette that must be followed. The fasting rules during Ramadan are given below:-

• Intentions (Niyyah) – To begin fasting each day, one has to set intentions or niyyah. It must be done in good faith; otherwise, fasting without it has no spiritual value.

• Observing the Fast from Dawn (Suhur) to Sunset (Iftar) – The fasting day begins with a meal before dawn known as suhur that enables one to continue their daily lives and feel replenished. The fast is traditionally broken at sunset time using dates and water, an established practice encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Iftar can be a source of gathering families and communities, tightening the bond among them.

• Abstaining from Forbidden Behaviours – Fasting is not just a forbearance of food and drink; one has to abstain from all such evils as lies, gossip, argument, etc. 

• Practising Self-Discipline and Moral Conduct – Abstain from anger, fights, gossiping, falsehoods, and evil speech. Encourages good behaviour to bring one’s heart to peace.

• Engage in Extra Prayers and Quran Recitation – You must recite the holy Quran every day with an aim to complete it atleast once during Ramadan. Engage in extra voluntary prayers and Taraweeh at night.

• Giving Charity and Helping the Poor (Zakat and Sadaqah)- Zakat (mandatory charity) should be given by the end of Ramadan if it hasn’t been given already. Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is highly encouraged as an act of kindness.

• Laylat al-Qadr Observance – The last ten nights of Ramadan contain the night of Laylat al-Qadr, a night believed to be highly blessed. One should spend these nights in prayer and worship since the rewards of worship on this night are multiplied.

• Breaking the Fast (Iftar) Mindfully – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that to break one’s fast gradually, begin by having dates and water, allowing the body to readjust. Iftar is also a time for social gatherings wherein various mosques provide meals, especially for needy people. This spirit of unity and charity forms an integral part of Ramadan.

• Exemptions of Fasting – Islam is the religion of mercy and provides exemptions from fasting to children, older people, pregnant or nursing women carrying babies, travellers, and anybody suffering a medical condition. However, they would have the option of either making up the lost fasting later or often to compensate by giving food and charity to the needy.

Also Read:- Nabeez Drink Health Benefits

Things to do in Ramadan

We all know the rules and etiquette to follow in Ramadan but there are certain acts of worship and charity which we must undertake. Here are some of the best things to do in Ramadan;

• Fast Daily – Feel the pangs of hunger and thirst, and the sour taste of food and beverages, which one experiences throughout the day while fasting from dawn till sunset.

• Pray Taraweeh – Attend night prayers to get as many blessings as possible, and to be closer to Allah.

• Distribute Charity – What you have, give to others.

• Recite the holy Quran – Get spiritual nourishment by reflecting on the teachings of the Quran.

• Seek Forgiveness – Repent sincerely so that your heart and mind become purified.

• Practice Self Discipline– Fasting and charity would bring self-discipline.

• Make Duas- Pray sincerely to yourself, your family, and the rest of the world.

• Break Your Fast with Dates– Break your fast like the Messenger (PBUH) broke his fast with dates.

• Minimize Distractions– Limit all kinds of useless distractions so you can remember Allah more.

• Keep Engaging in Dhikr- Remind Allah throughout the day with thanks and humility.

Also Read:- Ziyarat Places in Madinah

Ramadan Fasting Procedure

The fasting procedure in Ramadan or Ramadan fasting rules begins with suhoor, or pre-dawn meal followed by the niyyah or intention to fast just before dawn. From Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset), fasting Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations. Spiritual acts like prayer, Quran recitation, and charity are encouraged.

The fast is broken traditionally with dates and water at sunset, followed by the Maghrib prayer and a meal. This is a daily routine continued during Ramadan in efforts at spiritual purification and closeness with Allah.

Things to Know About Ramadan

Readers all over probably have a lot of questions and doubts about Ramadan, its rituals and so on. In this section, we have tried to answer such questions and include general details you must know about Ramadan:-

Can I Miss Fasting During Ramadan?

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is a major act of worship, but there are acceptable reasons for missing it. Those who are sick, old, travelling, pregnant, nursing, or menstruating are allowed to abstain from fasting if it can possibly cause them harm. For these people follow the Ramadan fasting rules is not mandatory.

However, their missed fasts should be made up as soon as possible or an alternative form of compensation called fidyah should be given, such as feeding a needy person for each day missed.

Who Can Fast During Ramadan?

Those considered fit for fasting are Muslims who have attained puberty and are not suffering from an illness or a condition that may exempt a person from fasting, such as pregnancy. Fasting should be done by those capable of doing so without damaging their health. Thus, fasting serves as a well-balanced act of worship.

What is the Procedure of Breaking Fast (Iftar)?

Breaking of the fast or “iftar” is a special time each day of Ramadan. Traditionally, Muslims first consume some dates and water, as was the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) practice. Then they go on to eat a light, nutritious meal that restores their energy level. Often, iftar is a family and community gathering time, presenting a lovely opportunity for reflection over gratitude and togetherness.

Also Read:- History of the Kaaba

What are the Do’s and Don’ts of Ramadan?

Ramadan is a time of contemplation, reflection, discipline, and charity. Among the do’s are the performances of regular prayers, charity giving, reciting the Holy Quran, and good behaviour. 

Don’ts include not gossiping, becoming angry, or entertaining yourself excessively because such habits may take attention off spirituality. These practices help build an attitude of gratitude, patience, and empathy-attached values of Ramadan.

Conclusion 

A journey of spiritual awakening, self-discipline, and empathy perfectly describes the month of Ramadan. Muslims globally use this time to deepen their faith, strengthen community bonds, and get closer to God with acts of fasting, prayer, and charity.

For Muslims, the practices of Ramadan promote deep inner growth and renewed clarity. The month of Ramadan is widely celebrated as it gives believers a chance to get their lives on the right path and continue indulging in practices that make them a better person. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is not allowed during Ramadan fasting?

A. A lot of things are prohibited when you are fasting during Ramadan, such as – food, drinks, smoking, getting angry, gossiping, lying and other such dishonest acts.

Q. What can you have while fasting for Ramadan?
A. You cannot consume anything at all from dawn till sunset during Ramadan while you are fasting. However, for Suhoor filling foods that will keep you full for a longer time, such as oats or eggs and hydrating fruits are highly recommended. For Iftar, begin with dates and water first and fill in a balanced diet containing vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbs. Hydrate during the non-fasting hours, with water and natural juices.

Q. How long is Ramadan?

A. The duration of the month of Ramadan varies depending on the moon sightings. Typically, it lasts for 29 or 30 days.

Q. What is Suhoor?
A.It is a pre-dawn meal that has to be taken in by everybody who intends to fast during the month of Ramadan. It is taken to help sustain energy levels throughout the day so that one can focus on his/her daily obligations.

Q. What is Zakat and Sadaqah?
A. Muslims are supposed to give charity during the month of Ramadan known as Zakat and Sadaqah. Zakat is a mandatory charity everyone has to give and Sadaqah on the other hand is a voluntary charity given by those who are financially able to do so.

Q. Is it permissible to exercise while fasting?
A. Light exercise is not a problem, but vigorous exercise can lead to dehydration and severe fatigue. It would be better to plan it after Iftar or before Suhoor.