Muslims fast each day in Ramadan from pre-dawn (before sunrise) until sunset, which usually works out to about 11–16 hours a day depending on where in the world you are and the time of year.

Over the entire month, this daily fast is observed for 29 or 30 days, since Ramadan itself lasts 29–30 days in the Islamic lunar calendar.

During those daylight hours, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations, focusing on worship, self-discipline, and good character until they break the fast at sunset.