The holiest month of the Islamic calendar is the ninth month which is known as Ramadan.
For Muslims this is a spiritual month of great importance.
During the month, Muslims observe fast during daylight hours - and do not eat or drink from dawn until sunset.
They eat before dusk, which is known as Suhoor or Sehri and open their fast post sunset which is known as Iftar.
Lasting 29-30 days, the month is regarded as a time for spiritual and self reflection, discipline and worship.
Along with fasting there are also other rules that Muslims should follow during fasting.
1. Often people think brushing your teeth is not allowed whilst fasting - this is not true, you can brush your teeth provided you don’t swallow the water.
2. You can shower, bathe and go swimming as long as you don’t swallow any water.
3. The main rule of fasting is that you must not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. After sunset, Muslims eat a meal known as Iftar. Traditionally, Muslim's break their fast with dates, milk or water followed by dinner. Breaking the fast with dates, roots back to a religious teaching of the Prophet Muhammad who would break his fast with ripe dates before praying.
4. You can’t drink water when fasting, but you can chug as much water down before suhoor and after iftar.
5. Sexual relations between married couples are banned during the daylight hours of fasting. A main part of fasting is about controlling your desires.
6. You should refrain from bad habits including swearing, gossiping, arguing, fighting or being disrespectful, cruel or selfish.
7. Smoking is also not allowed whilst fasting.
8. You can’t chew gum during your fast as it will break the fast
9. Taking medicine orally (through the mouth) is considered something that would invalidate the fast. People are asked to consider if they should be fasting at all if they need medication as having an illness exempts you from having to fast.
10. Accidentally swallowing food or dust (such as airborne particles of sieved flour) or your own saliva will NOT invalidate the fast. Similarly, the fasting is still valid if it's unintentionally broken when someone eats or drinks in a moment of forgetfulness.
Ramadan is not only about abstaining from eating. Those who are not able to take part in fasting, still take part in worshiping and bettering themselves.
So, now you know the do's and don't of Ramadan, are you ready for the month ahead?
