Ramadan, the month-long celebration marking the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, has arrived.
For the upcoming weeks, Muslims worldwide will observe the occasion by fasting during the day.
But why do Muslims fast during Ramadan – and what are the regulations they must adhere to?
Here is everything you need to understand.
Why do Muslims fast?
Ramadan is a period of spiritual contemplation and self-improvement for Muslims – they will refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours to focus more on their faith and avoid being distracted by worldly activities.
The fast is also intended to remind Muslims of their reliance on Allah for sustenance, as well as to cultivate compassion and empathy for those less fortunate than them.
It is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, in addition to Profession of Faith, Prayer, giving to charity, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The self-discipline required to complete Ramadan is meant to purify a Muslim and bring them closer to God, while also educating them about the experience of being less fortunate and unable to eat.
Sajad Mahmood, CEO of a Muslim charity, stated Metro.co.uk: ‘Observing the fast during the holy month is extremely important as it is a time for improving one’s connection to God and is a time for self-reflection, and self-control.
‘Ramadan is a month which should act as a month of spiritual training for the rest of the year. The aim of Ramadan is to help set you up with good habits for the rest of the year so you are stronger spiritually and mentally than you were before.’
What is permitted during Ramadan?
There’s a widespread misconception that Muslims do not eat for the entire month of Ramadan.
Muslims can eat and drink, but only before sunrise, known as suhoor or the morning meal, and after sunset, known as iftar or the evening meal.
Unlike Lent, Muslims do not abstain from specific foods during Ramadan, other than those already prohibited, like pork products and alcohol – they can eat whatever they want for iftar and suhoor.
There is also a misconception that Muslims cannot shower during Ramadan, but this is false. Showering is allowed as long as they avoid swallowing water.
While sexual activity is not permitted during daylight hours, Mahmood from Charity Right tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Hugging and kissing between spouses is allowed, as long as it does not escalate further.
‘This is to prevent worshippers from being distracted during daylight hours and to have more time for worship and acts of kindness towards others.’
What is prohibited during Ramadan?
In addition to consuming food during daylight hours, there are other actions that Muslims must refrain from during Ramadan.
Because it’s something that you put into your mouth, smoking amounts to breaking your fast. This applies to all other drugs, whether inhaled, snorted or injected – this is also the reason why Muslims are prohibited from drinking water or chew gum during Ramadan.
There is no specific rule about brushing teeth during Ramadan, but Mahmood explains: ‘Some Muslims refrain from using toothpaste and mouthwash while fasting, however, as long as neither product is swallowed, there is no official rule stating whether or not these are forbidden.
‘Instead, Miswak, a teeth cleaning twig, is utilized by some to avoid error.’
Also, Muslims are not permitted to take medication during Ramadan. This applies more to consuming ibuprofen for a headache, or using Pepto Bismol for bloating – if you are ill or taking medication for a long-term condition then you are exempt.
Another unclear area about what is or isn’t allowed during Ramadan is listening to music. Some Muslims will not listen to music while fasting, while others will reduce how much music they listen to.
Mahmood explained to Metro.co.uk: ‘While some Muslims believe that music is prohibited, those who do not, usually limit their intake during fasting hours, especially music that includes foul language.’
If someone intentionally breaks their fast during Ramadan, they must undergo Kaffaraah, which means ‘atonement’ or ‘expiation’.
This involves fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 needy people or donating an amount equal to the cost of feeding 60 needy people to charity.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Young children, people on prescription medicines, people on grueling journeys, the infirm, the elderly, and pregnant women, as well as women on their period, are exempt from the rules of Ramadan.
However, if a woman is unable to adhere to the rules of Ramadan because she’s feeding her baby, or an old person is too frail to fast, they have to make up for it.
The woman has to fast at a later time for the same number of days she’s missed, as well as feed a person in need (through food or monetary donations) every day for the Ramadan dates she missed.
The frail person has to feed a person for the equivalent number of days they have missed.
