Muslims who are fasting in Ramadan cannot drink water between dawn (Fajr) and sunset (Maghrib), but they can drink freely at night outside those hours.

Basic rule

  • During the fasting hours (from the true dawn until sunset), all food and drink are prohibited, and that explicitly includes plain water.
  • After sunset (Iftar) until the pre‑dawn meal (Suhoor), drinking water is not only allowed but strongly encouraged to stay hydrated.

Why water is not allowed

  • Fasting in Islam is defined as abstaining from all oral intake (food, drink, and certain other acts) during the set hours, so even a sip of water is considered to break the fast.
  • The idea is a complete act of worship and self‑discipline, not just “going without food,” which is why water is treated the same as food during the day.

Exceptions and health considerations

  • People who are ill, travelling, pregnant, breastfeeding, very elderly, or whose health would be harmed by not drinking may be exempt from fasting and can make up the fasts later or use other concessions, depending on their situation.
  • If someone accidentally swallows water (for example while rinsing the mouth in ablution), many scholars hold the fast still counts, but deliberately drinking breaks it and that day must be made up.

Hydration tips for Ramadan

  • Drink several glasses of water spread between Iftar and Suhoor instead of all at once, aiming for roughly 8 cups (or as advised by a doctor for your body and climate).
  • Focus on water‑rich foods such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges at night and limit very sugary or high‑caffeine drinks that can worsen dehydration.

TL;DR: If you are fasting, you cannot drink water during Ramadan’s daylight hours, but you should drink plenty between sunset and dawn, unless a valid health or hardship reason exempts you from fasting.

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