Who must fast, how to make Niyyah, the step-by-step daily routine, and what does and doesn’t break your fast.
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.
Al-Qur’an 2:183Fasting in Ramadan (Sawm) is the fourth pillar of Islam. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sinful behaviour from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) throughout the entire month of Ramadan — the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the month in which the Quran was revealed.
Exempt from fasting: The elderly, the ill, pregnant or breastfeeding women, travellers, and children. They may make up missed fasts later or pay Fidya (feeding a poor person per day missed).
Eat a pre-dawn meal before Fajr time. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Have Suhoor, for indeed there is a blessing in Suhoor.”
Intend in your heart before Fajr that you are fasting today for the sake of Allah. No need to say it aloud.
Once Fajr prayer time begins, the fast starts. You must not eat, drink, or smoke.
Increase Quran recitation, dhikr, and prayer. Avoid lying, backbiting, and arguments — these diminish the reward of fasting.
When Maghrib time enters, break your fast — traditionally with dates and water following the Sunnah. Say: “Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu.”
Perform Maghrib prayer immediately after iftar. Spend the evening in Tarawih prayer and Quran if possible.
Eating by mistake does NOT break the fast. If you forget and eat or drink, continue your fast — Allah has fed you. This applies to inadvertent acts only.