Ramadan Guide

Pillars of Fasting

Fasting rests on two fundamental pillars: 1) The intention (niyyah), which must be made each night before Fajr for the obligatory fast of Ramadan. 2) Abstaining from everything that breaks the fast, from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). Allah says: 'Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread. Then complete the fast until night.' (Al-Baqarah 2:187)

What Invalidates the Fast

The fast is invalidated by: eating or drinking intentionally, sexual intercourse, intentional vomiting, menstruation or postpartum bleeding (even if it occurs just before Maghrib), intentional ejaculation, nutritive injections or blood transfusions. Whoever breaks their fast out of forgetfulness or by mistake does not need to make it up, according to the hadith: 'Whoever forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who fed him and gave him drink.'

What Does NOT Invalidate the Fast

The following do not invalidate the fast: tasting food without swallowing, non-nutritive injections (vaccines, insulin), bleeding (blood tests, nosebleeds, wounds), perfume and incense, toothpaste (without swallowing), eye and ear drops, the siwak (natural toothbrush recommended by the Prophet even while fasting), involuntary wet dreams, and involuntary vomiting.

Who Is Exempt from Fasting

Those exempt from fasting: the sick person whose condition would worsen (makes up the days later), the traveler (has the choice to fast or make up), the pregnant or breastfeeding woman if she fears for her health or the child's, elderly people unable to fast (they give fidya: feeding one poor person per missed day), pre-pubescent children (fasting is recommended for training but not obligatory), and the menstruating or postpartum woman (she must make up the days).

Making Up (Qada) and Compensation (Fidya/Kaffara)

Qada (making up) is obligatory for anyone who missed days of Ramadan with a valid excuse. It must be done before the next Ramadan. Fidya is compensation for those who cannot fast permanently (elderly, chronic illness): feeding one poor person per missed day (~2.5 kg of food). Kaffara is expiation for deliberately breaking the fast through sexual intercourse: freeing a slave, or fasting 60 consecutive days, or feeding 60 poor people.