Fasting in Ramadan is not only an exercise of self-restraint but a duty that Allah has ordained for our spiritual cleansing, discipline, and devotion. It is a month in which Muslims refrain not just from food and drink but also from sinning, distractions and bad habits.
Allah commands in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
This verse provides insight into the reason for fasting, as a way of cultivating Taqwa (piety): Nonetheless, for fasting to be legitimate and a form of worship, it must be performed according to the way outlined in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
The Basic Rules of Fasting in Ramadan
1. The Definition of Fasting in Islam
The Arabic word for fasting is Sawm صوم which means “to abstain”. In Islamic law, fasting is defined as:
“Abstaining from food, drink, marital relations, and other invalidators from the break of dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) with the intention of worshiping Allah.”
Consequently, to fast appropriately, you must:
- The intention (Niyyah) – To fast for Allah’s sake alone.
- All nullifiers – Anything that breaks the fast.
- Adhering to the realisation time – From Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset).
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1899, Sahih Muslim 1079)
This means that fasting is a time for purification and mercy, and correctly observing its guidelines leads us to attain its full rewards.
2. Who Must Fast? (Conditions of Obligation)
Ramadan Fasting is Fardh on every Muslim who meets the following conditions:
- They should be Muslim – Non-Muslims are not required to fast.
- They should have entered puberty – A child is not required to fast, but one could be encouraged to practice slowly.
- They have to be sane — Those with mental illnesses that impair judging nature do not count.
- They must be able-bodied — Sick, elderly or those with health conditions can be excused.
- They should not be journeying – A traveler may delay fasting.
- For women – Women must not be menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding – they will have to make up any fasts missed in these states later.
Allah grants ease in fasting, saying:
“But if any of you is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of days must be made up later.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
This verse shows that Islam is not rigid, those who cannot fast due to genuine reasons are given alternatives.
3. The Intention (Niyyah) for Fasting
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not make the intention to fast before Fajr, his fast is not valid.”
(Sunan al-Nasa’i 2331, Sunan Abi Dawood 2454)
For obligatory fasts (Ramadan), this means intending to fast before dawn. The intention doesn’t need to be verbally expressed; it’s a conscious determination to fast for Allah’s sake.
Example of an intention (Niyyah) for fasting:
“O Allah, I intend to fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan with faith and seeking Your reward.”
What Breaks the Fast? (Invalidators of Fasting)
The following actions break the fast and require making up (Qada) or expiation (Kaffarah):
1. Eating or Drinking Intentionally
- Consuming food, water, or any substance deliberately breaks the fast.
- If done out of forgetfulness, the fast remains valid. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever eats or drinks forgetfully, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1933, Sahih Muslim 1155)
2. Engaging in Marital Relations
- The fast is totally broken if a person has sexual relations during fasting hours and the only way to atone for this is expiation (Kaffarah) (fasting of 60 consecutive days or feeding of 60 poor people).
- Intentional sexual acts (kissing, touching) that result in ejaculation also invalidate the fast.
3. Vomiting Intentionally
- If someone intentionally vomits, the fast is broken.
- If one vomits unintentionally, then the fast is still valid.
4. Menstruation or Postnatal Bleeding
- If a woman to whom menstruation has begun has fasted, that fast is then invalid and she must make it up later on.
What Does NOT Break the Fast?
The following things do NOT break the fast:
- Using a Miswak or Toothbrush – It is reported that the Prophet ﷺ did use miswak whilst fasting (Sahih al-Bukhari 1931).
- Brushing Teeth (in water not swallowed) – Allowed provided nothing is swallowed.
- Forgetting and Eating/Drinking — If this was done by accident, the fasting remains valid.
- Taking a shower or swimming — Water does not invalidate the fast if it is not swallowed.
- Drugs (other than nutritional ones) – Insulin, vaccinations, and painkillers do not break the fast.
Recommended Acts During Fasting (Sunnah Practices)
To maximize rewards, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended:
- Delaying Suhoor (pre dawn meal):
“Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1923)
- Hastening Iftar (breaking the fast at Maghrib):
“The people will continue to be in good condition as long as they hasten to break the fast.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1957)
- Breaking the fast with dates:
“The Messenger of Allah used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying. If there were no fresh dates, he would eat dry dates. If there were no dry dates, he would take a few sips of water.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 2356)
- Making Dua at Iftar:
“The supplication of a fasting person at the time of breaking the fast is not rejected.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1753)
- Avoiding Sins (Lying, Gossiping, Arguing, etc.):
“If one does not abandon false speech and bad actions, Allah has no need for him to leave his food and drink.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1903)
Conclusion: The Path to a Blessed Ramadan
Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from foods and drinks, it is about spiritual purification, deepening of faith, and enhancing the bond with Allah, the Almighty. By observing the rules properly, we ensure that our fasts are:
- The deed ought to be Valid and bearable till Allah.
- A type of spiritual purification and self-discipline.
- A chance to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
May Allah make it easy for us to fast properly, cleanse our souls and gather His immense rewards in this Ramadan. Aameen.
