Fasting in Ramadan

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. It was made obligatory in the second year after the Hijrah, as Allah revealed: "O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa" (Quran 2:183). The month of Ramadan holds special significance as the month in which the Quran was first revealed: "The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for humanity and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion" (Quran 2:185).

Who Must Fast

Fasting is obligatory upon every Muslim who is adult (has reached puberty), sane, healthy, and resident (not traveling). Women who are menstruating or experiencing postpartum bleeding do not fast but must make up the missed days later. The elderly who cannot fast may pay fidyah (feeding a poor person for each missed day) instead. Pregnant and nursing women who fear for themselves or their children may break their fast and make up the days later, with some scholars requiring fidyah as well.

What Constitutes the Fast

The fast begins at true dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib). During these hours, the fasting person abstains from eating, drinking, and marital relations. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged taking suhur (the pre-dawn meal), saying: "Take the suhur meal, for there is blessing in it" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Breaking the fast at sunset should not be delayed: "The people will continue to be fine as long as they hasten to break the fast" (Sahih al-Bukhari). The Sunnah is to break the fast with dates and water.

What Invalidates the Fast

The fast is broken by intentionally eating, drinking, or engaging in marital relations during fasting hours. Deliberate vomiting also breaks the fast according to the majority of scholars, based on the hadith: "Whoever is overcome by vomiting does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits deliberately must make it up" (Sunan Abu Dawud). Accidental eating or drinking does not invalidate the fast according to the hadith: "If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully, then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk was given to him by Allah" (Sahih al-Bukhari).

The Spiritual Dimensions

Beyond physical abstinence, Ramadan is a time of intensified worship, Quran recitation, night prayers (Tarawih), charity, and self-improvement. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking its reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven" (Sahih al-Bukhari). The last ten nights of Ramadan are particularly blessed, containing Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is "better than a thousand months" (Quran 97:3). The Prophet would exert himself in worship during these nights more than at any other time.