New Delhi: For Muslims, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year. It is believed that during this sacred month, the Angel Gabriel revealed the Qur’an to
the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Because of this, Ramadan holds deep spiritual importance and is a time devoted to faith, self-discipline, and reflection.
Understanding how Ramadan works helps explain why Muslims observe strict rules during this month and why fasting is seen as both a spiritual and personal commitment.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the period when Allah (SWT) revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Over time, fasting during Ramadan was established as Sawm, the fourth pillar of Islam. The five pillars form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith, and observing Sawm is considered an essential religious duty.
Sawm means fasting, but Ramadan is about more than avoiding food. It is a time for prayer, patience, charity, and improving one’s character, Astrologer, Tanya Singh, Astropatri shares insights on how to keep fast and who can keep it.
When is Ramadan observed?
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, so Ramadan begins with the sighting of the ninth new moon and ends with the sighting of the tenth new moon.
Because a lunar year is shorter than a solar year, Ramadan moves about 10 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. Depending on the year and location, Ramadan can fall in summer or winter.
Things to avoid during Ramadan fasting
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset each day. This means they must not:
- Eat or drink, including water
- Smoke
- Engage in sexual activity
Beyond physical fasting, Muslims are also expected to avoid negative behaviour, such as:
- Swearing
- Lying
- Fighting or arguing
- Harmful speech or actions
Ramadan is a time to practise self-control, patience, and kindness. Avoiding bad habits is considered just as important as avoiding food and drink.
Who can fast?
Fasting during Ramadan is required for adult Muslims who are physically and mentally able.
However, certain people are exempt from fasting, including:
- Elderly or frail individuals
- People with illnesses or medical conditions
- Those taking medication
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
Women who are menstruating must pause their fast and are considered validly exempt. Travellers are also allowed to delay fasting during their journey.
What if Someone Misses a Fast?
If a person misses a fast for a valid reason, they are encouraged to make up the missed fast later in the year.
If making up the fast is not possible, they must pay Fidya, which is a charitable donation. Fidya is usually equal to the cost of feeding one person for one day and is commonly around £5 per missed fast, though the amount may vary.
If a person intentionally breaks a fast without a valid reason, they must pay Kaffarah. This involves either fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 people for each missed fast.
Missed fasts cannot be made up on Eid days, but can be completed at other times of the year.
How Does Ramadan End?
Ramadan ends with the sighting of the new moon, marking the start of Shawwal, the tenth Islamic month.
Before the Eid prayer, Muslims must give Zakat al-Fitr, a compulsory charity meant to help those in need celebrate Eid. After this, Eid al-Fitr is observed with prayers, family gatherings, and celebration.
With Eid, the fasting rules of Ramadan come to an end.
Ramadan is a month of discipline, reflection, and compassion. While fasting from dawn to sunset is central, the true purpose of Ramadan lies in improving one’s behaviour, strengthening faith, and caring for others.
