What is Fasting in Islam?

Fasting is one of the most important moral and spiritual parts of Islam. Fasting means staying away “completely” from food and drinking and smoking from dawn until after dark. During the holy month of Ramadan, a Muslim is required to fast from all food, beverages, life’s joys, sexual activity, and other sins. This includes smoking.

In Islam, a person is required to fast from when the sun rises till it sets. During this time they cannot consume food or drink. Every Muslim who is rational and competent to do so should fast throughout Ramadan. In addition, a person must have reached the age of puberty and maturity in order to be eligible to undertake the practice of fasting.

The sahri is the traditional first meal eaten before beginning a fast. You must open your fast by consuming some dates and water as soon as the sun has set in the evening. It is recommended that you open your fast before the Magrib prayers.

Things that break the fast

Eating and drinking during the fasting time.
Smoking.
Pouring oil into ears.
Swallowing pebbles, stones, paper, etc.
Saliva mingled with blood.
Applying medicine drops in nostrils.
Donating blood
Insulin injections for diabetic people

Things that do not break-fast

Smell perfume, using Surma in the eyes and applying oil to the hair.
Inhaling a fly without one’s intention.
To swallow saliva.
Undergoing a blood test.
To take bath during fasting time.
To pour water into the ear unknowingly
Drunk water unknowingly