Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time of worship, spiritual growth, self-discipline, and drawing closer to Allah (SWT). Muslims around the world fast during this blessed month, perform more acts of worship, read the Quran, give charity, and make an effort to get closer to Allah. Although many Muslims know the general guidelines of fasting, many more questions often come to mind each year about what’s allowed, what’s not, and what can be done to maximize the benefits of the month of Ramadan.
Whether you’re fasting for the first time, or assisting your children to grasp the rules of fasting, or simply just refreshing your knowledge, it is essential to learn the proper Islamic rulings. Authentic knowledge can enable Muslims to worship with confidence and avoid common errors that can impact their fast and other acts of worship.
Many Muslims also choose a trusted online Quran academy during Ramadan to learn the Quran with Tajweed, learn about Islamic teachings, and ask authentic questions about fasting to qualified Quran teachers.
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar is Ramadan, and it is considered to be the most blessed month of the year. The month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as guidance for mankind.
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is compulsory for every healthy adult Muslim who fulfils the conditions of fasting. Apart from fasting, Muslims are also encouraged to be better people, stay away from sinful acts, perform more acts of worship and draw closer to Allah.
Ramadan is also the month of mercy, forgiveness and salvation from Hellfire. This allows believers to revive their faith and seek Allah’s forgiveness by repenting and doing good works with sincerity.
By learning from qualified Quran teachers, Muslims can gain a deeper understanding of the true purpose of Ramadan and commit to authentic Islamic teachings with confidence.
Allah made the practice of fasting compulsory for believers because it is important to cultivate their awareness and consciousness of Allah. This teaches Muslims to be patient and thankful and to exercise self-control in their actions, particularly in their relationships with others.
Fasting is also a reminder to those who are believers of the hardships of the less fortunate. When Muslims feel hungry and thirsty, they feel generous and are prompt to help others who are in want, both with charity and kindness.
The first and foremost of all is that it is an act of obedience to Allah. Fasting for His sake yields spiritual rewards and can be a means of deepening a person’s relationship with his Creator. Muslims can enhance their belief and learn the wisdom behind fasting according to the Quran and Sunnah by learning with a reliable online Quran academy.
No, eating and drinking by accident does not break the fast. If the person who is fasting forgets that he or she is fasting, he or she should stop the moment he or she remembers and fast the rest of the day. In an authentic hadith, Allah has given this food and beverage as a mercy to the person who forgot.
But if a person intentionally fasts, then eats and drinks during the fasting hours for any reason, this is considered to be a violation of the fast, and the fast must be made up.
It is permissible to brush teeth during the fast, in general. Some experts suggest using a toothbrush with great care so as not to swallow water or toothpaste. Some Muslims also use a miswak while fasting because Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged the use of it. The key is that nothing is placed in the throat on purpose while brushing.
Drinking your own saliva isn’t a violation of the fast. Saliva is naturally produced during the day, and you will have to swallow it. Islam does not impose unnecessary pain and suffering on believers when it comes to normal bodily functions. But it is important not to intentionally swallow food or other items.
Taking a shower or bath does not break the fast. During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims shower to cool themselves down, particularly in a warm climate. Just make sure not to have the intention to drink water when bathing.
Cleanliness is encouraged during the month of Ramadan, and bathing helps believers to remain refreshed during the extended periods of fasting.
This depends on the situation. If a person vomits accidentally due to sickness or nausea, the fast would be observed. But if a person intentionally forces himself to vomit, then the fast will not be accepted by many Islamic scholars. In the event of natural vomiting, the person on the fast should wash away the vomit and proceed with the fast.
The majority of modern-day scholars say that eye drops are not considered food or drink, so they don’t break the fast.
The ear drop decision may differ based on the medical situation and scholarly opinions. If a medical treatment is required, it is advised to seek the opinion of a qualified Islamic scholar and health professional.
Islam attaches huge significance to the maintenance of health without compromising on performing acts of worship.
In general, it is acceptable to wear perfume during the fasting period. If a pleasant smell is used, the fast is not invalidated, as it is not eaten or drunk. Muslims are urged to keep clean and practice good hygiene during Ramadan.
But the direct inhalation of smoke or incense with the intention of inhaling should not be recommended by many scholars.
Muslims are at ease with travelling. When someone is travelling the distance set by the Islamic rulings, it is permissible for him to delay the fast. They can make up the missed fasts after their journey.
However, if it is not causing the person significant hardship to travel, then many, many scholars consider this permissible.
Islam requires that not everyone fast. The following people are exempt from fasting:
Those with serious disease, the elderly who would not be able to fast safely, travellers, women during menstruation and post-natal bleeding, and those for whom fasting would be detrimental to health.
There are different rulings for every situation as to what to do if you miss a fast, as well as regarding compensation (Fidya) in each case, depending on the circumstances.
Fasting is postponed for pregnant and nursing women if there is a reasonable fear that they or their child will be harmed.
Islam places great importance on the rights of the mother and the baby. However, if there is a real health issue, a delay in fasting is allowed, and later days can be made up based on the teachings of scholars. When making this decision, women should seek guidance from both experts and doctors.
Once a Muslim reaches adulthood, the obligation to fast is laid upon him. Fasting is introduced gradually before the age of puberty to prepare children with Ramadan and instil love for fasting in them.
Many children have started to do half days of fasting or occasional fasts before they are religiously responsible.
Medical treatment should never be ignored when it is necessary. As long as the medicine is not administered in a manner of a fast, it is not a violation. Tablets and nutrition injections typically will break the fast, and some medical treatments do not.
If any person has a continuing medical condition, then he/she should, before the beginning of Ramadan, consult with a scholar and their physician to determine what the ruling is for that person.
If someone has missed a fast due to a valid reason (such as being sick or travelling), they can make up the day at their earliest convenience. However, if there was no valid reason for missing the fast, he/she should sincerely repent to Allah for missing it and make up that missed day as soon as possible. In some instances, the missed fast may require additional correction based on the circumstance under which it was missed as well as the opinions of scholars regarding explanatory circumstances.
It is permissible to taste food while preparing it, whether for yourself or for someone else. However, before sampling the food, you must not swallow any of the sample; rather, you should spit the sample out and ensure that you rinse your mouth afterwards if necessary. This ruling assists those who cook meals for their families during Ramadan so that they do not encounter difficulties in preparing meals for their families.
During every Ramadan, believers can expect to receive multiple blessings from Allah. This month is an excellent time to grow closer to Allah and experience the power of faith on a greater level as we strive toward perfection in our daily lives. There is a sense that each Ramadan is a chance to renew our faith and become closer with Allah; therefore, regardless of whether someone has participated in Ramadan once (or 10 occasions), try to obtain as much authentic knowledge from the Quran and other Islamic sources throughout the month of Ramadan – practice what we learn, and teach your family and others how to benefit from the spiritual aspects of Ramadan. With the help of best online Quran academy, Muslims can learn real Islamic knowledge, and they can follow the Quran and Sunnah properly to observe Ramadan with confidence.
May Allah accept all of our prayers/fasting/charity/good deeds, as well as forgive our sins, guide us toward gaining the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, and provide us with rewards from this successful month. Ameen
The month of Ramadan is a month of mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal, and it is a month where every Muslim is allowed to get closer to Allah. By knowing the proper rules of fasting, prayer, charity, and other daily worship practices, believers can fast and pray with heartfelt devotion during the month of Ramadan. Muslims can avoid common mistakes and instead focus on making the best of this blessed month by learning the answers to some of the most common questions they may have during the month of Ramadan. Online Quran learning academies also teach Islamic knowledge with the Quran.
In addition to not eating or drinking, the month of Ramadan educates us in patience, self-control, appreciation, and compassion towards others. It urges the believers to read the Quran more, increase their acts of worship, be more charitable, and repent sincerely by seeking Allah’s mercy. These acts of worship aid in cleansing the heart and create good habits beyond Ramadan.
Q. Who should fast during Ramadan?
For every healthy, adult Muslim who can fast, it is a religious obligation to fast during the month of Ramadan. Islam, however, does grant exceptions to those whose fasting would be harmful or difficult because of illness, travelling, age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other valid reasons. In the event of a missed fast, it must be compensated in the future or by performing fidya as per Islamic law.
Q. What ends the fasting during Ramadan?
Activities that break the fast include intentionally eating or drinking, having marital relations when they are forbidden, or intentionally making oneself vomit. One who forgets to fast and eats or drinks accidentally is not allowed to eat during the fast afterward, and the fast is not cancelled.
Q. Is it permitted to brush one’s teeth or have a shower during fasting?
Yes. Brushing teeth and taking a shower are not forbidden during the fast, provided one pays special attention to not intentionally swallow the water or toothpaste. Maintaining personal hygiene is encouraged in Islam, even while fasting.
Q. What is the best Muslims could do during Ramadan?
Muslims should be more careful in their worship by performing all five prayers promptly, reciting and reflecting upon the Quran, making sincere duas, giving charity, assisting those in need, seeking forgiveness, and performing extra acts of worship, including Taraweeh prayers.
Q. What is the most blessed thing?
This month is known as the most blessed month since the month in which the Quran was revealed. It includes Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), which is mentioned in the Quran as the best night there is, better than a thousand months! In the month of Ramadan, good deeds are multiplied, gates of paradise are opened, and Muslims are presented with many opportunities to earn Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
Ramadan is the perfect time to increase your knowledge of the Quran and to increase your worship. Our Online Quran Academy offers one-to-one Quran classes, Tajweed lessons and Islamic studies for children and adults by experienced male & female teachers.
Whether you want to improve your recitation of the Quran, learn the true Islamic teachings or just feel more confident in your worship, we are here to help you on your journey.