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how to fast during ramadan

Fasting during Ramadan means abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activity from true dawn (fajr) until sunset (maghrib), while using the days and nights to draw closer to Allah through worship and good character.

What fasting in Ramadan is

  • You stop all food and drink (including water, gum, and smoking) from dawn to sunset.
  • You also avoid sinful actions like lying, backbiting, swearing, insults, and any sexual activity.
  • Nights are for prayer, Qur’an, du‘a, charity, and repairing relationships.

Daily structure: Suhoor to Iftar

Suhoor (pre‑dawn meal)

  • Eat just before fajr; do not skip suhoor, as it helps you last the day and carries barakah.
  • Choose slow‑release, high‑fiber foods (whole grains, oats, lentils, vegetables) plus some protein (eggs, yogurt, beans) and healthy fats (nuts, avocado).
  • Drink plenty of water and, if needed, some milk or 100% juice; avoid very salty or very sugary foods that cause thirst.

During the day

  • Intend the fast for Allah in your heart before or at fajr.
  • Pray the five daily prayers on time and increase Qur’an recitation and dhikr.
  • Guard your tongue : no lies, insults, swearing, mocking, or backbiting; scholars emphasize that evil speech can strip the reward of your fast.
  • Also guard your eyes, ears, phone, and hands from haram content or actions.

Iftar (breaking the fast)

  • Break the fast at maghrib immediately with dates and water or milk if available, following common prophetic practice.
  • Then pray maghrib and have a balanced meal:
    • Complex carbs (rice, wholegrain bread, potatoes, pasta),
    • Lean protein (chicken, fish, beans, lentils),
    • Plenty of vegetables and some fruit.
  • Eat slowly and avoid overeating or heavy fried and very sugary foods, which can make you sluggish for worship and harm your health.

Night: between Iftar and Suhoor

  • Rehydrate steadily: water, soups, and other non‑caffeinated drinks; small amounts of electrolyte drinks can help, especially in hot climates.
  • Pray ‘isha and taraweeh if you can, in the masjid or at home.
  • Use the night for du‘a, especially in the last third of the night, and for reading Qur’an and reflecting.

Health and safety basics

  • Aim for at least two proper meals (suhoor and iftar) with items from all major food groups: fruits and vegetables, grains/potatoes, protein sources, and dairy or alternatives.
  • Choose nutrient‑dense snacks at night when needed, such as dates, nuts, seeds, or yogurt, especially if you struggle with appetite at iftar.
  • Eat mindfully; your body takes around 20 minutes to register fullness, so pause and avoid stuffing yourself at iftar.
  • Manage digestion with fiber and fluid to prevent constipation.
  • If you have medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy, etc.), consult a knowledgeable doctor and a trusted scholar before fasting and ask about safe adjustments.

Who should and should not fast

  • Fasting Ramadan is obligatory for adult, sane Muslims who are able.
  • Common exemptions include:
    • Young children,
    • The elderly who are too weak,
    • Those who are ill,
    • Pregnant or nursing people when fasting may harm them or the baby,
    • Menstruating women,
    • Those traveling long distances.
  • If you fall into an exempt category, you may need to make up the fasts later or pay fidyah depending on your situation; ask a local imam or scholar for specific fiqh guidance.

Forum and “latest” community tips

Recent online discussions and videos about “how to fast during Ramadan” emphasize a few recurring practical themes from Muslims worldwide:

  • Prepare early: adjust sleep, cut down on caffeine, and practice shorter fasts in Sha‘ban.
  • Never skip suhoor, even if it is light, as this often makes or breaks your energy levels.
  • Balance spirituality and work or studies by planning your day around salah times and realistic Qur’an goals.
  • Use your phone intentionally: follow beneficial Islamic content, avoid arguments and “doom‑scrolling,” and treat your thumbs as part of your fast.
  • With children, gently introduce them to the meaning of fasting (sincerity, seeking Allah’s pleasure) instead of only promising big gifts.

“We fast from more than just food; we fast from anything that drags the heart away from Allah.” – a common sentiment you’ll see in contemporary Ramadan talks and forum posts.

TL;DR: To fast during Ramadan, stop eating, drinking, and sexual activity from fajr to maghrib, keep your tongue and actions away from sin, and use suhoor and iftar for balanced nutrition, hydration, and worship, while remembering that the heart of the fast is sincerity and obedience to Allah.

Note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.