What Are the Rules of Ramadan: A Comprehensive Guide

Understand the rules of Ramadan with this comprehensive guide to fasting and worship.
What are the rules of Ramadan

Ramadan: A Framework for Fasting

Fasting in Ramadan is not only about avoiding eating and drinking.

It also involves abstaining from sexual relations, smoking, and negative behaviours such as lying, arguing, bad-mouthing and gossiping during your fast. 

The importance of Ramadan and fasting in Islam is significant:

–  It is the fourth pillar of Islam, making it one of the fundamental aspects of the faith.

–  Fasting is seen as worship and obedience to Allah, strengthening one’s spiritual connection.

–  It helps to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), self-discipline, and self-control.

–  It encourages empathy for the less fortunate and acts of charity and compassion.

–  By observing fast, Muslims aim to draw closer to Allah, purify their souls, and continue strengthening their spiritual bond beyond the month of Ramadan.

The Fundamental Rules of Ramadan

Following are the fundamental rules of Ramadan that everyone must follow.

Fasting (Sawm)

Fasting, or Sawm, involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset for 29-30 days.

Duration of the fast

The fasting period usually lasts 11-16 hours daily, depending on the time of year and geographical location.

Muslims begin their fast at dawn with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor and break it at sunset with a meal called iftar.

Who must fast

Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for:

–  Adult Muslims who have reached puberty

–  Those who are mentally sound

–  Individuals in good health

–  People who are not travelling

Ramadan Fasting Rules for Old People

Exemptions from fasting

Several people are exempt from fasting during Ramadan:

–  Children who have not reached puberty

–  Older adults who are weak or in poor health

–  Individuals with illnesses that may worsen due to fasting

–  Travellers

–  Women who are menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding

–  People with mental disabilities

Those who are exempt from fasting have different options:

–  Make up the missed fasts later (for temporary conditions like illness, pregnancy or travel)

–  Pay Fidyah, which involves feeding or providing for those in need (for long-term or permanent conditions)

It’s important to note that while these exemptions exist, many Muslims with chronic conditions may still choose to fast.

In such cases, it’s advisable to consult with healthcare providers to ensure safe fasting practices and proper nutrition outside fasting hours.

Fidya

Fidya is a charitable donation required when someone misses a fast during Ramadan for a valid reason and cannot make it up later.

It’s primarily intended for those who cannot fast due to long-term illness, old age, or other conditions that prevent them from fasting or making up for missed fasts after Ramadan.

The fidya for missing one fast during Ramadan in 2025 is £4. This amount is meant to provide two meals for one person in need or one meal each for two people.

It’s important to note that fidya differs from kaffarah:

–  Fidya is paid when a fast is missed for a valid reason

–  Kaffarah is paid when a fast is broken without a valid reason

Ideally, the fidya should be paid before missing the fast or before Ramadan if you know you won’t be able to fast for the entire month.

Remember, if you’re only temporarily unable to fast (for example, due to a short-term illness), you should make up the fast later rather than paying fidya.

Kaffarah

Another rule of Ramadan is Kaffarah. Kaffarah is a form of expiation or atonement in Islam for deliberately breaking a fast during Ramadan without a valid reason.

It is required to be paid when someone intentionally breaks their fast by eating, drinking, or engaging in sexual relations during fasting hours.

The purpose of kaffarah is to seek forgiveness from Allah and make amends for the sin of deliberately breaking the fast.

There are two main ways to fulfil kaffarah:

–  Fasting for 60 consecutive days

–  Feeding 60 poor people

For those who are unable to fast for 60 days, the monetary kaffarah amount is calculated based on the cost of feeding 60 people.

In British pounds, the kaffarah amount for 2025 is generally set at £240 per intentionally broken fast. This is based on the following calculation:

Cost to feed one person: £4
Number of people to feed: 60
Total kaffarah amount: £4 x 60 = £240

It’s important to note that kaffarah must be paid for each deliberately broken fast.

For example, if someone intentionally broke their fasts for two days during Ramadan, they would need to pay £480 in kaffarah (£240 x 2).

Etiquette-of-Ramadan

Ramadan Etiquette and Tips

–  Even if you are not fasting, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those who are fasting.

–  Be mindful that fasting individuals may have less energy or altered schedules during this time.

–  Refrain from playing loud music or boisterous behaviour, especially in public spaces.

–  If invited, consider joining Muslim friends or colleagues for iftar (the meal to break the fast after sunset).

–  In the workplace, provide designated eating areas for non-fasting employees and be flexible with schedules when possible.

–  Engage in acts of kindness and charity, which are especially encouraged during Ramadan as the reward is double.

–  Be patient and understanding if Muslim colleagues or friends are less available in the evenings due to prayers and ibadah.

Ramadan’s Lasting Impact

Ramadan is more than just a month of fasting; it’s a transformative journey that touches every aspect of a Muslim’s life.

By understanding and respecting the rules of Ramadan, we not only deepen our spiritual practice but also try to keep pleasing Allah beyond Ramadan.

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