رَمَضَانُ كَرِيمٌ

How to Fast During Ramadan

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar — the month in which the Quran was revealed. Fasting (Sawm) during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, prescribed for every healthy adult Muslim. It is a time of spiritual purification, increased worship, and closeness to Allah.

Niyyah (Intention) for Fasting

The intention should be made in the heart each night before Fajr. Speaking it aloud is recommended:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ فَرْضِ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ هَذِهِ السَّنَةِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
Nawaytu sawma ghadin 'an adā'i fardi shahri Ramadāna hādhihis-sanati lillāhi ta'ālā.

How to Observe the Fast

  1. 1

    Make the niyyah (intention) before Fajr (dawn).

  2. 2

    Eat Sahur (the pre-dawn meal) — a Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) that brings blessing. Even a sip of water counts.

  3. 3

    Stop eating and drinking when Fajr enters (when the call to Fajr is made).

  4. 4

    Throughout the day, refrain from food, drink, smoking, and intimate relations with your spouse.

  5. 5

    Guard your tongue and behavior — avoid backbiting, lying, anger, and vain speech. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: 'Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.'

  6. 6

    Break your fast (Iftar) immediately at Maghrib (sunset), preferably with dates and water, following the Sunnah.

Dua Before Breaking the Fast

Recite this dua just before eating your first bite at Iftar:

اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Allāhumma laka sumtu wa 'alā rizqika aftartu.

Recommended Acts During Ramadan

  • Pray Tarawih — the special night prayers performed in congregation after Isha.

  • Read the Quran daily — many Muslims aim to complete the entire Quran during the month.

  • Give Sadaqah (voluntary charity) generously — the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was the most generous in Ramadan.

  • Pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer — a small obligatory charity per person.

  • Seek Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) in the last 10 nights, especially the odd-numbered ones — better than a thousand months of worship.

  • Make abundant du'a, especially before Iftar — the dua of a fasting person is not rejected.

  • Perform I'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) during the last 10 days, if possible.

Who is Exempt

Fasting is excused for the sick, travelers, pregnant or nursing women, women in menstruation or postnatal bleeding, the elderly who cannot fast, and children before puberty. Missed fasts must be made up later, except for those who are permanently unable to fast — they pay fidyah (feeding a poor person for each missed day) instead.