What Are the Rules of Fasting in Ramadan? An Islamic Guide

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and worship in which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and certain actions from dawn to sunset each day throughout the month.

This guide explains the rules, conditions, obligations, and exemptions of fasting in Ramadan, helping Muslims understand how to fast correctly and with proper intention.

When fasting begins and ends each day

Fasting begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib).

• Start of fast: at the time of the Fajr prayer — when the first light appears in the sky.

• End of fast: at the time of Maghrib prayer — when the sun sets.

During this time, a fasting person refrains from:

• eating or drinking,

• smoking,

• intentional sexual relations,

• and anything that invalidates the fast.

Essential conditions for a valid fast

A fast in Ramadan is valid when a person:

1. Is a Muslim

2. Has reached puberty

3. Is sound in mind

4. Is physically able to fast

Those who are excused or exempted from fasting include those who are ill, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, travelling, or otherwise unable to fast — but they must make up the fast later or offer compensation as prescribed.

The intention (niyyah)

For a fast to be valid, a Muslim must make the intention (niyyah) to fast before dawn. The intention is made in the heart — it does not have to be spoken out loud.

The intention can be made the night before or before Fajr, and it should clearly be for fasting Ramadan for the sake of Allah.

Actions that break the fast

A fast is invalidated if a person intentionally:

• eats or drinks during fasting hours

• has sexual relations

• vomits intentionally

• uses anything that reaches the throat (e.g., swallowing liquid while brushing)

• smokes or inhales substances

• takes injections or oral medications without necessity

Unintentional actions (like accidentally swallowing water while bathing) do not break the fast.

Suhoor and Iftar: Meals before and after fasting

Two meals anchor the fasting day:

• Suhoor — the meal before Fajr that prepares the body for the day of fasting

• Iftar — the meal at sunset that breaks the fast

To understand these times and their significance in more detail, read What Is Suhoor and Iftar?

Exemptions and how to make up missed fasts

Islam provides allowances for those who may not fast due to valid reasons:

• Illness or chronic conditions

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Travel

• Old age where fasting causes harm

• Menstruation or postnatal bleeding

Those who miss fasts for valid reasons must:

• make them up (qada) after Ramadan

• or offer food to the needy (fidyah) if they are permanently unable to fast

To understand related charity obligations, read What Is Zakat al-Fitr?

Sins and rewards of fasting

Fasting in Ramadan brings immense reward if done with sincerity. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that Allah forgives the previous sins of the one who fasts with faith and hope.

Fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink, but also:

• avoiding foul speech,

• practicing patience,

• increasing worship (like prayer, Quran recitation, and charity),

• and seeking closeness to Allah.

Combining fasting with good deeds and charity

Ramadan is a time to increase righteous deeds. In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to:

• pray extra prayers (taraweeh),

• make sincere dua,

• give Sadaqa, and

• help those in need.

Giving charity especially during Ramadan is believed to bring multiplied reward and mercy.

What about delayed fasts and compensation?

If someone misses Ramadan fasts for valid reasons (e.g., sickness, travel):

• They must make up those fasts when able.

• If someone cannot make up fasts at all due to chronic illness or age, they may offer fidyah (feeding the needy) for each missed day.

To learn about this form of charity, see What Is Zakat al-Fitr?

Sins and rewards of fasting

Fasting in Ramadan brings immense reward if done with sincerity. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that Allah forgives the previous sins of the one who fasts with faith and hope.

Fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink, but also:

• avoiding foul speech,

• practicing patience,

• increasing worship (like prayer, Quran recitation, and charity),

• and seeking closeness to Allah.

Conclusion

Fasting in Ramadan is a profound act of worship that combines physical discipline with spiritual devotion. By following the rules — making intention, observing the fast from dawn to sunset, and maintaining piety — Muslims aim to draw closer to Allah and grow in character, humility, and empathy.

Whether you are new to fasting or seeking a reminder, understanding these rules helps ensure your fasts are correct and spiritually rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fasting in Ramadan

Who is required to fast in Ramadan?

Fasting in Ramadan is required for every adult Muslim who is sane, physically able, and not exempt due to illness, travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menstruation. Those who are exempt must make up missed fasts or offer compensation if they are unable to fast permanently.

Does forgetting and eating break the fast?

No. If someone eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting, the fast remains valid. Once they remember, they should stop eating immediately and continue fasting for the rest of the day.

Can I brush my teeth while fasting?

Yes. Brushing your teeth is allowed as long as nothing is swallowed. Many people prefer to avoid toothpaste during fasting hours to reduce the risk of swallowing water or foam.

Does vomiting break the fast?

Vomiting unintentionally does not break the fast. However, intentionally inducing vomiting invalidates the fast and requires it to be made up later.

Can I fast if I am sick?

If fasting causes harm or worsens an illness, Islam allows you to break the fast. Missed fasts should be made up after Ramadan if recovery is expected. If the illness is permanent, fidyah may be required instead.

Do injections or medication break the fast?

Oral medication breaks the fast. Non-nutritive injections are generally permitted, while injections that provide nourishment may invalidate the fast. If medication is medically necessary, breaking the fast is allowed.

What happens if I miss a fast without a valid reason?

If a fast is missed without a valid reason, it must be made up after Ramadan. In some cases, additional compensation may be required depending on how the fast was broken.

Is fasting valid without Suhoor?

Yes. Suhoor is highly recommended and blessed, but missing it does not invalidate the fast.

What breaks the fast the fastest at sunset?

The fast is broken at sunset (Maghrib time). It is recommended to break the fast promptly, traditionally with dates and water, before continuing with the meal.

Can children fast in Ramadan?

Children are not obligated to fast until they reach puberty. However, many families encourage children to practice fasting gradually to help them prepare for adulthood.