Many Muslims all over the world will be well prepared for the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
However, for many 2023 may be their first Ramadan when they've decided to begin fasting, or you may want to support a friend during this month and would simply like to learn more about this important holiday. If you are unfamiliar with Ramadan, you may believe that fasting just involves not eating anything for the day, however, this is not the case.
Fasting (known as 'sawm' in Arabic) is one of the five pillars of Islam - a set of beliefs and practices that are believed to make up the foundation of the religion. The practice comes with very clear and strict rules which are drawn from both the Qur'an (Islam's holiest book) and the Sunnah (traditions and practices of the prophet Muhammadﷺ).
Read more: Fasting times for Ramadan 2023: Full list of when Fajr and Maghrib prayers begin
We've broken down exactly what you should and shouldn't do while fasting during Ramadan. If you are not a practising Muslim but have a friend or family member that is, it's a good idea to learn these so you can help support them during this month...
Common misconceptions about fasting
Many people, even some practising Muslims, may hold some misconceptions about fasting. Because of this, we have compiled a short list that aims to dispel some of these:
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Brushing your teeth breaks the fast - the majority of scholars disagree that brushing your teeth breaks the fast, as long as you do not swallow the toothpaste. You can also opt to use a miswak (a cleaning twig) which many believe the prophet Muhammadﷺ used himself.
- Swallowing your saliva breaks the fast - this is an extremely common misconception, but there are no mentions in the Qur'an or hadiths/sunnah that state this.
- Accidentally eating or drinking - it's easy to understand why someone would think this but consuming something via a genuine accident does not void the fast. This is especially true for when someone performs absolution and they must rinse their mouth before prayer.
- Taking any kind of medication - warnings have been issued in the past over this misconception as most medicines that are not taken orally can be used during fasting hours such as eye drops or injections.
- Fasting is obligatory for everyone - both the Qur'an and many hadith clearly state there are some groups of people who are exempt from fasting such as those who are ill, pregnant or menstruating.
The dos - the things encouraged during Ramadan
Many behaviours and practices are encouraged throughout the year for Muslims, however, these are especially important during Ramadan as the month is considered the perfect time to better yourself and become closer to God (commonly referred to as Allah by Muslims).
The key aspect of fasting is to not eat, drink, or otherwise consume something from sunrise to sunset. This is why, during Ramadan, Muslims will wake up in the early hours of the morning shortly before sunrise to eat and drink (known as suhoor).
Meanwhile, other behaviours throughout the month are encouraged. These can include a wide variety of things, including:
- Becoming more active and supportive in your local community.
- Regularly reading the Qur'an each day.
- Giving to charity - Ramadan is a popular time to offer Zakat (A set percentage of one's income).
- Showing compassion - Ramadan is a time for forgiveness and conflict should be avoided wherever possible
- Engage with friends more - this can even include non-Muslim friends who may not know much about Islam, it's always nice to have an extra mouth to feed at Iftar so don't be afraid to ask your Muslim friends if you want to join them at the dinner table when they break their fast.
The don'ts - what should be avoided during Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan comes with a set of strict rules. It's important to note that it is not just food and drink that should be avoided.
Muslims are also encouraged to avoid the following:
- No food or drink during the fast period - this is the most obvious one but it does include things such as water, coffee and fizzy drinks.
- Hold grudges - as mentioned before, Ramadan is a time for forgiveness and you should always be open to reconciling with someone over a disagreement during the month.
- Engage in sexual activity during fasting hours - while sexual intercourse is allowed during Ramadan, it is only permissible once the sun goes down.
- Swear or use foul language - Ramadan places emphasis on avoiding negative behaviours, this can also include gossiping in a negative way about someone behind their back.
- Chew gum and/or smoke during fasting hours - while discouraged, smoking is permissible when the sun goes down.
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