Muslims fast during Ramadan to practice devotion and self-discipline, empathize with the poor, and mark the month the Quran was first revealed.
The reasons
- Worship: fasting (sawm) during daylight is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
- The Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month, and Laylat al-Qadr falls in its last ten nights.
- Self-discipline and God-consciousness (taqwa).
- Empathy with the hungry and a push toward charity.
How it works
The fast runs from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib): no food, drink, smoking or sex. Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, set by the lunar calendar, and ends with Eid al-Fitr.
Who is exempt
Children, the sick, travelers, pregnant or nursing women, menstruating women and the elderly. Many make up missed days later or give to the poor.
Fasting rules
Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking and marital relations from dawn (fajr) until sunset (maghrib) every day of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Length of Ramadan
Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan moves earlier each year. It moves through all seasons in a cycle of about 33 years.
Fast length
In summer in northern countries, the fast can last 16 to 18 hours, and in winter about 11 to 12 hours. Muslims in places with extreme daylight often follow the times of Mecca or the nearest country with normal day and night.
Daily routine
- Suhoor: the pre-dawn meal.
- Iftar: the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, traditionally starting with dates and water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Taraweeh: extra night prayers in the mosque.
Laylat al-Qadr
The Night of Power, believed to be when the first verses of the Quran were revealed, is sought on one of the last ten nights, often the 27th.
Charity
Zakat al-Fitr is a charitable donation paid before the end of Ramadan. Many Muslims give more charity during the month.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan ends with a three day festival, Eid al-Fitr, with prayers, family meals and gifts.
Exemptions and make-up
Children before puberty, the sick, travelers, pregnant, nursing or menstruating women and the elderly may be excused. Missed days are made up later, or a meal is given to a poor person when fasting is not possible.
Health notes
Studies show intermittent fasting may cause changes in blood sugar and weight. People with diabetes or on medication should discuss fasting with a doctor.
Numbers
There are about 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, about 25% of the global population, according to Pew Research.
Dates, rules and practice
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts 29 or 30 days, shifting about 10 to 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink and marital relations, as commanded in the Quran (2:183 to 185). Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The pre dawn meal is suhoor and the evening meal that breaks the fast is iftar, often begun with dates and water. Fast length varies with season and latitude from about 11 to more than 17 hours.
Exemptions, charity and the end of Ramadan
Children before puberty, the sick, travelers, pregnant or nursing women who may be harmed, and menstruating women are exempt, and missed days are made up later or compensated through feeding the poor when fasting is not possible. The last ten nights include Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, when the first Quran revelation is commemorated. Muslims give charity, including zakat al-fitr before the end of the month. Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, a three day celebration with prayers, family meals and gifts. People with medical conditions such as diabetes should consult a doctor about fasting safely.
Based on data from Pew Research Center and the Encyclopaedia Britannica
