Ramadan 2025: Fasting rules you should follow for a month of spiritual devotion

Ramadan 2025: During Ramadan Muslims observe fast. It's a time for spiritual devotion, so it also calls for rules for self-discipline.

Ramadan 2025: Muslims all around the world, come together to celebrate Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam. It's a very sacred time as Muslims go on fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and water the entire day and only breaking the fast at sundown. Fasting is must for all Muslims who reached puberty. However expectations are made for the sick, elderly, along with pregnant women. This year, Ramadan is likely to start from February 28.

Ramadan 2025: Muslims fast from pre-dawn to sundown and pray during this time. (Shutterstock)

Rules of fasting

• All Muslims who have reached puberty and are healthy and sane must fast.
• Niyyah or proper intention is required for fasting. It shows genuine sincerity.
• A person suffering from a temporary sickness should compensate by fasting on another day.
• Those who suffer from chronic illness and cannot fast should pay fidyah. This means feeding needy people for every fasting day missed.
• One must avoid travelling during the Ramadan month, unless absolutely necessary. But if it's important, then the fasting must be postponed to another date as soon as possible.
• One must also understand the time period. Fasting begins at pre-dawn and ends at sunset. Before beginning the fast, Suhur, the last pre-dawn meal before the fast is consumed. Before beginning fasting, niyyah is also needed.
• During fasting, food, water, smoking and sexual activities are completely prohibited.
• Any other negative behaviours like lying, fighting, cursing and arguing should be avoided.
• Intentionally vomiting would invalidate the fast, so avoid that.

Significance of fasting

The Fourth Pillar of Islam is Swam, which means fasting, so it holds deep spiritual significance, serving as a period of devotion and introspection. There are five pillars which form the base of the Muslim faith. Fasting essentially is an act of private workshop, bringing people closer to Allah. It strengthens one's spiritual relationship.