Essential guidance for the holy month. Fasting rules, intentions, important duas and answers to common questions.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the most blessed month of the year. It is a time of spiritual growth, self-discipline, reflection and increased devotion to Allah.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically able. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr, a joyful celebration and day of thanksgiving.
Core Principles
Make the intention to fast before Fajr each day. The intention can be in your heart and does not need to be spoken aloud.
Refrain from food, drink and intimate relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). This is the core physical aspect of the fast.
Avoid gossip, arguments, lying and negative behavior. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that if one does not abandon false speech and acting falsely, Allah has no need for him to give up his food and drink.
Break your fast at Maghrib time with dates and water if possible, following the Sunnah. Make dua before breaking the fast, as this is a special time when duas are accepted.
Essential Supplications
Dhahaba al-zama'u, wabtallatil-'urooqu, wathabata al-ajru insha'Allah
"The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills."
Nawaitu sauma ghadin 'an ada'i fardi Ramadan
"I intend to fast tomorrow to fulfill the obligation of Ramadan."
Avoid These
Not making intention
Instead: Make niyyah before Fajr, even if just in your heart
Eating too much at suhoor
Instead: Eat moderately to avoid discomfort and sluggishness during the day
Delaying iftar unnecessarily
Instead: Break fast at Maghrib time. Delaying without reason goes against Sunnah
Wasting time and energy
Instead: Use Ramadan for worship, Quran reading and good deeds, not just fasting
Common Questions
No, brushing your teeth does not break the fast as long as you do not swallow the toothpaste or water. Many scholars recommend using a miswak (tooth stick) as it was the Sunnah of the Prophet.
If you eat or drink genuinely out of forgetfulness, your fast is still valid. Stop as soon as you remember and continue your fast. Allah is the One who fed you and gave you drink, as stated in hadith.
You can taste food on the tip of your tongue to check seasoning, but do not swallow it. Spit it out completely. If you swallow intentionally, the fast is broken.
Intentional eating, drinking, intimate relations, deliberate vomiting, menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding. Forgetful eating or unintentional vomiting does not break the fast.
Yes. If you miss fasts due to illness, travel or menstruation, you must make them up before the next Ramadan. If you cannot fast due to permanent illness, you should feed a needy person for each day missed.
During Ramadan
This page is useful for reading and reference. For daily use during Ramadan, the app brings together prayer times, Islamic calendar context and fasting reminders in one place.