Ramadan Fasting Rules & Guidelines
Complete guide to fasting (Sawm) in Ramadan - rules, exemptions, and spiritual guidance
Things That Break the Fast
1. Eating or Drinking Intentionally
Consuming any food or drink intentionally during fasting hours breaks the fast. If done accidentally, the fast remains valid.
2. Deliberate Vomiting
Intentionally making yourself vomit breaks the fast. Natural vomiting does not break the fast.
3. Menstruation or Postpartum Bleeding
Women experiencing menstruation or postpartum bleeding must not fast. These days must be made up later.
4. Marital Relations
Intimate relations during fasting hours break the fast and require both making up the fast and paying Kaffarah.
5. Smoking
Smoking cigarettes, vaping, or any form of inhalation breaks the fast.
Things That Do NOT Break the Fast
✓ Accidental eating/drinking
✓ Swallowing saliva
✓ Using Miswak or toothbrush
✓ Applying perfume
✓ Taking a shower or bath
✓ Donating blood (preferred not to)
✓ Tasting food (without swallowing)
✓ Unintentional vomiting
Who is Exempt from Fasting?
Children (Before Puberty)
Fasting is not obligatory for children before puberty, though encouraged to start practicing gradually.
Elderly & Chronically Ill
Those permanently unable to fast must pay Fidya instead. Temporary illness allows delayed makeup fasts.
Pregnant & Nursing Mothers
If fasting poses health risks to mother or child, they can break the fast and make it up later or pay Fidya.
Travelers
Those on journeys exceeding 48 miles (77 km) may break their fast and make it up later.
Menstruating Women
Women during menstruation or postpartum bleeding must not fast and should make up these days later.
Fidya and Kaffarah
Fidya (Compensation)
For those who cannot fast due to permanent illness or old age:
Amount:
Feed one poor person for each missed day
Approximately the cost of 2 meals or food equivalent
Kaffarah (Expiation)
For intentionally breaking fast without valid reason:
Requirement:
- • Fast 60 consecutive days, OR
- • Feed 60 poor people
Plus make up the missed day
Making Up Missed Fasts
If you miss fasts due to valid reasons (illness, travel, menstruation), you must make them up:
Timeline
Make up missed days before the next Ramadan. Can be done any time during the year.
Consecutive or Separate?
Can fast missed days consecutively or separately, as convenient.
If You Delay
If you don't make up fasts before next Ramadan without valid reason, you must make up the fast AND pay Fidya.
Tips for Successful Fasting
🌅 Never Skip Suhoor
Suhoor is blessed. Wake up even for a few dates and water.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor.
🥗 Balanced Diet
Eat nutritious foods at Suhoor and avoid excessive sugar at Iftar.
😴 Get Enough Rest
Take short naps if needed to maintain energy throughout the day.