Ramadan Questions & Answers
Clear answers to the questions Muslims ask most about Ramadan, based on the Quran, the Sunnah and the mainstream view of scholars. Every answer has a short version and a detailed explanation.
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Most asked questions
- When does Ramadan 2027 start?Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.
- Does eating or drinking by mistake break the fast?No, eating or drinking because you forgot you were fasting does not break the fast.
- Can I brush my teeth while fasting?Yes, you can brush your teeth while fasting, as long as you do not swallow the toothpaste or water.
- Can I fast during my period?No, a woman does not fast during her period, and a fast kept then is not valid.
- Does smoking break the fast?Yes, smoking cigarettes, shisha or any other tobacco breaks the fast, according to scholars across the schools.
- Can I kiss my husband or wife while fasting?A kiss between spouses does not break the fast in itself, as the Prophet sometimes kissed his wives while fasting.
- What dua do I say when breaking my fast?Say "Bismillah", then after drinking: "Dhahaba al-zama'u wabtallatil-'uruqu wa thabatal-ajru in sha' Allah" (Abu Dawud).
- How much is Zakat al-Fitr?Zakat al-Fitr is one sa' of staple food per person, about 2.5–3 kg of rice, wheat, dates or similar.
- When is Laylat al-Qadr?Laylat al-Qadr falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely on an odd night (the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th).
- How many rakats is Taraweeh?There is no fixed number: both 8 rakats and 20 rakats (plus Witr) are valid and have been practised for centuries.
- I slept through suhoor. Can I still fast?Yes, you can and should still fast: suhoor is a recommended sunnah, not a condition of the fast.
- When is Eid al-Fitr 2027?Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on Tuesday 9 March 2027 (Umm al-Qura calendar), or Wednesday 10 March in some countries.
Ramadan basics (15)
- What is Ramadan?Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
- Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?Muslims fast in Ramadan because Allah commands it in the Quran, so that they grow in God-consciousness (taqwa).
- When does Ramadan 2027 start?Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.
- How long does Ramadan last?Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, because it is a lunar month that ends when the new crescent of Shawwal is seen.
- Why does Ramadan start on a different date every year?Ramadan moves because the Islamic calendar is lunar: its year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year.
- How is the start of Ramadan decided?Ramadan begins when the new crescent moon is seen after sunset on the 29th of Sha'ban; if it is not seen, Sha'ban completes 30 days.
- Is fasting in Ramadan one of the five pillars of Islam?Yes, fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, prayer, zakat and Hajj.
- Who has to fast in Ramadan?Every Muslim who has reached puberty, is of sound mind, healthy and not travelling must fast in Ramadan.
- What does the word Ramadan mean?The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root r-m-d, linked to intense heat or scorching.
- Was the Quran revealed in Ramadan?Yes, the Quran was revealed in Ramadan, as the Quran itself says.
- What are the fasting hours in Ramadan?You fast from true dawn, when Fajr time begins, until sunset, when Maghrib time begins.
- How do Muslims fast where the days are very long?Muslims fast from dawn to sunset wherever day and night can be told apart, even if the day is long.
- When did fasting in Ramadan become obligatory?Fasting in Ramadan became obligatory in the second year after the Hijra (around 624 CE), in Madinah.
- What are the rewards of fasting in Ramadan?Fasting Ramadan with faith and sincerity brings forgiveness of past sins and a reward that Allah Himself promises to give.
- Are the devils chained up in Ramadan?Yes, an authentic hadith says the devils are chained when Ramadan begins.
Fasting rules and intention (16)
- Do I need to make an intention (niyyah) to fast?Yes, an intention is required for the fast, but it is simply a decision in your heart to fast tomorrow.
- Do I have to make the intention every night?Most scholars say each day of Ramadan needs its own intention, made at night.
- Do I have to say the intention for fasting out loud?No, you do not have to say the intention out loud.
- I slept through suhoor. Can I still fast?Yes, you can and should still fast: suhoor is a recommended sunnah, not a condition of the fast.
- Is my fast valid if I do not pray?Most scholars say your fast is still valid and need not be made up, but missing prayers is a grave sin that harms its reward.
- When exactly do I have to stop eating at suhoor?You must stop eating and drinking at true dawn, which is the start of Fajr time.
- Can I keep eating while the Fajr adhan is called?If the adhan is called on time at true dawn, you should stop eating and drinking as soon as it begins.
- I broke my fast before sunset by mistake. What now?There is no sin in an honest mistake: stop eating at once and continue until sunset.
- How do I make up missed Ramadan fasts?You make up missed Ramadan fasts by fasting one day for each day missed, at any time before the next Ramadan.
- Until when can I make up missed Ramadan fasts?You should make up missed Ramadan fasts before the next Ramadan begins.
- I missed fasts years ago. How do I make them up?Make up each missed day with one fast, estimate the number carefully if you are unsure, and repent if you skipped them without an excuse.
- What happens if I break my fast on purpose?Breaking a Ramadan fast on purpose without a valid excuse is a serious sin: you must repent and make up that day.
- Is it okay to sleep most of the day while fasting?Yes, your fast is valid even if you sleep most of the day, as long as you intended to fast.
- Can I fast if I need ghusl at dawn?Yes, you can fast if you still need ghusl at dawn, and your fast is valid.
- Does a wet dream break the fast?No, a wet dream does not break the fast, because it happens without your choice.
- Is it a sin not to fast in Ramadan without an excuse?Yes, deliberately not fasting in Ramadan without a valid excuse is a major sin, because fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.
What breaks the fast? (28)
- Does eating or drinking by mistake break the fast?No, eating or drinking because you forgot you were fasting does not break the fast.
- Can I brush my teeth while fasting?Yes, you can brush your teeth while fasting, as long as you do not swallow the toothpaste or water.
- Does toothpaste break the fast?No, toothpaste does not break the fast as long as you do not swallow it, and a lingering minty taste does not matter.
- Can I use a miswak while fasting?Yes, using a miswak while fasting is allowed and is a Sunnah, at any time of the day according to most scholars.
- Does mouthwash break the fast?No, mouthwash does not break the fast if you spit it out and swallow none of it.
- Does swallowing saliva break the fast?No, swallowing your own saliva does not break the fast, and there is no need to keep spitting.
- Does swallowing phlegm or mucus break the fast?Phlegm swallowed before it reaches your mouth does not break the fast.
- Can I chew gum while fasting?No, you should not chew gum while fasting, even sugar-free gum, because it releases flavour and sweeteners that you swallow.
- Can I taste food while cooking when fasting?Yes, you may taste food while cooking if you need to, as long as you spit it out and swallow nothing.
- Does vomiting break the fast?Vomiting that happens on its own does not break the fast, so you can carry on fasting.
- Can I take a shower or swim while fasting?Yes, you can shower while fasting, and swimming is allowed too if you take care that no water enters your mouth or nose.
- Does water going down my throat in wudu break the fast?If water slips down your throat by accident during wudu, your fast is still valid according to many scholars.
- Can I wear perfume while fasting?Yes, you can wear perfume, deodorant and scented oils while fasting; they do not break the fast.
- Does smoking break the fast?Yes, smoking cigarettes, shisha or any other tobacco breaks the fast, according to scholars across the schools.
- Does vaping break the fast?Yes, vaping breaks the fast: you deliberately inhale a liquid turned into vapour, which scholars treat like smoking.
- Do eye drops break the fast?No, eye drops do not break the fast according to most scholars today, even if you briefly taste them in your throat.
- Do ear drops break the fast?No, ear drops do not break the fast when the eardrum is intact, according to most scholars today.
- Does nasal spray break the fast?A normal nasal spray does not break the fast according to many scholars today, if you avoid swallowing what reaches your throat.
- Do injections break the fast?No, medical injections such as insulin, antibiotics, vaccines or painkillers do not break the fast, according to most scholars today.
- Can I get a vaccine while fasting?Yes, you can get a vaccine by injection while fasting; most scholars agree it does not break the fast because it is not food or drink.
- Does a blood test break the fast?No, a blood test does not break the fast.
- Can I donate blood while fasting?Yes, most scholars hold that donating blood does not break the fast.
- Does an IV drip break the fast?Yes, an IV drip that gives fluids or nutrition, such as glucose, breaks the fast according to most contemporary scholars.
- Does an asthma inhaler break the fast?Many contemporary scholars hold that a standard asthma inhaler does not break the fast, as it takes medicine to the lungs, not food or drink.
- Can I wear makeup or lipstick while fasting?Yes, you can wear makeup while fasting; it does not break the fast.
- Do creams and lotions break the fast?No, creams, lotions, ointments, sunscreen and oils on the skin do not break the fast, even if some is absorbed.
- Does a nosebleed or bleeding break the fast?No, a nosebleed, a cut or other bleeding from an injury does not break the fast.
- Does cupping (hijama) break the fast?Most scholars hold that cupping (hijama) does not break the fast, but it is disliked if it makes you weak.
Health and medicine (15)
- Do I have to fast if I am sick?No, if you are ill and fasting would make you worse, slow your recovery or cause real hardship, you may skip the fast and make up the days later.
- What if I can never fast because of a chronic illness?If a long-term illness means you can never fast, you are excused and give fidya instead.
- Can people with diabetes fast in Ramadan?Many people with well-controlled diabetes can fast safely with their doctor's guidance, but others are at high risk and are excused.
- How do I take my medication during Ramadan?Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before Ramadan: many medicines can be moved to suhoor and iftar.
- Does taking a pill break the fast?Yes, deliberately swallowing a pill breaks the fast, even without water, because it enters the stomach through the mouth.
- How can I avoid headaches while fasting?You can usually prevent fasting headaches by cutting down caffeine before Ramadan, drinking enough water at night, eating suhoor and sleeping well.
- How can I avoid dehydration in Ramadan?Drink water steadily between iftar and suhoor, eat water-rich foods, limit salt and caffeine, and stay cool during the day.
- Can I exercise or go to the gym while fasting?Yes, you can exercise while fasting; it does not break the fast.
- Do elderly people have to fast?No, elderly people who are too weak to fast are excused and give fidya instead, feeding one poor person for each day missed.
- Can I go to the dentist while fasting?Yes, you can go to the dentist while fasting.
- Can I have surgery or anaesthesia in Ramadan?Yes, you can have surgery in Ramadan; on days you are unwell or need a drip, you are excused from fasting and make them up later.
- Do suppositories break the fast?Many contemporary scholars hold that a medicinal suppository does not break the fast, because it is not food or drink and does not nourish the body.
- Do I have to fast if it harms my mental health?No, if fasting seriously harms your mental health or stops you taking treatment you need, you are excused, just as with a physical illness.
- How can I avoid heartburn after iftar?To avoid heartburn, break your fast gently, eat smaller portions slowly, cut down on fried and spicy food, and do not lie down soon after eating.
- How can I sleep well during Ramadan?Split your sleep: go to bed soon after Isha or Taraweeh, wake for suhoor, and add a short nap in the day if you can.
Women and fasting (14)
- Can I fast during my period?No, a woman does not fast during her period, and a fast kept then is not valid.
- Do I have to make up fasts missed during my period?Yes, you make up the fasts you missed during your period, one day for each day, at any time before the next Ramadan.
- Do women make up prayers missed during their period?No, women do not make up the prayers missed during their period; those prayers are simply dropped.
- What if my period ends during the day in Ramadan?If your period ends during the day, that day does not count as a fast and you make it up later.
- What if my period starts just before sunset?If your period starts before sunset, even a few minutes before, that day's fast is not valid and you make it up later.
- Do pregnant women have to fast?No, a pregnant woman does not have to fast if she fears harm for herself or her baby; she makes up the days later.
- Do breastfeeding mothers have to fast?No, a breastfeeding mother may skip the fast if she fears harm for herself, her milk or her baby, and make up the days later.
- Should a pregnant woman make up fasts or pay fidya?Most scholars say a pregnant or breastfeeding woman makes up the missed days later, like someone who was ill.
- Can I fast during bleeding after childbirth?No, a woman does not fast or pray during postnatal bleeding (nifas); she makes up the fasts later.
- Can I take pills to delay my period in Ramadan?Yes, many scholars allow taking pills to delay your period in Ramadan if a doctor confirms they will not harm you.
- Can I fast with irregular bleeding (istihadah)?Yes, you fast and pray with irregular bleeding (istihadah), because it is not a period.
- Can women pray Taraweeh at the mosque?Yes, women can pray Taraweeh at the mosque, and the Prophet told men not to stop them.
- How can I worship on Laylat al-Qadr during my period?You can seek Laylat al-Qadr during your period through dua, dhikr, asking forgiveness, listening to the Quran and charity.
- Can I read the Quran during my period?Many scholars allow you to recite the Quran during your period from memory or a screen, without touching the mushaf directly.
Suhoor and iftar (13)
- Is suhoor obligatory?No, suhoor is not obligatory, and your fast is valid without it.
- What is the best food for suhoor?The best suhoor combines slow-release carbohydrates, protein, fibre and water: oats, wholegrain bread, eggs, yoghurt, fruit and dates.
- When exactly is iftar time?Iftar time is at sunset, as soon as the sun has completely set, which is the start of Maghrib time.
- Why do Muslims break their fast with dates?Muslims break their fast with dates because the Prophet did so, making it a sunnah.
- What dua do I say when breaking my fast?Say "Bismillah", then after drinking: "Dhahaba al-zama'u wabtallatil-'uruqu wa thabatal-ajru in sha' Allah" (Abu Dawud).
- Is there a special dua for suhoor?No, there is no special dua for suhoor in the authentic Sunnah.
- Should I eat iftar before or after Maghrib prayer?The sunnah is to break the fast at sunset with a few dates or water, pray Maghrib, then eat the main meal.
- Why should I break my fast quickly at sunset?Breaking the fast promptly at sunset is a sunnah: the Prophet said people remain upon good as long as they hasten iftar.
- What is a healthy iftar?A healthy iftar starts with dates and water, then a light soup and a balanced plate of vegetables, lean protein and wholegrains.
- How much water should I drink between iftar and suhoor?There is no religious amount, but a common guideline is about 6 to 8 glasses (1.5–2 litres) between iftar and suhoor.
- Can I drink coffee at suhoor?Yes, you can drink coffee at suhoor, as long as you finish before Fajr.
- What is the reward for giving iftar to someone fasting?Whoever gives iftar to a fasting person gets a reward like theirs, without reducing the fasting person's reward at all.
- When do I break my fast on a plane?You break your fast when the sun sets where you actually are, as seen from the plane, not by the clock of your departure or arrival city.
Prayer, Taraweeh and Quran (15)
- What is Taraweeh prayer?Taraweeh is the special night prayer of Ramadan, prayed after Isha in pairs of rakats, often in congregation at the mosque.
- How many rakats is Taraweeh?There is no fixed number: both 8 rakats and 20 rakats (plus Witr) are valid and have been practised for centuries.
- Is Taraweeh obligatory?No, Taraweeh is not obligatory; it is a strongly recommended sunnah.
- Can I pray Taraweeh at home?Yes, you can pray Taraweeh at home, alone or with your family, and it is fully valid and rewarded.
- How do I pray Taraweeh?Pray Taraweeh after Isha in sets of two rakats, each like a normal two-rakat prayer ending with salam, then finish with Witr.
- How is Witr prayed in Ramadan?In Ramadan, Witr is usually prayed with the imam right after Taraweeh, as 1 or 3 rakats, often with a qunut dua in the last rakat.
- What is Tahajjud and when can I pray it in Ramadan?Tahajjud is voluntary night prayer, ideally after some sleep, and its best time is the last third of the night.
- Do I have to finish the Quran in Ramadan?No, finishing the whole Quran in Ramadan is not obligatory; it is a recommended goal, not a requirement.
- How can I finish the Quran in Ramadan?Read one juz a day, about 20 pages, to finish in 30 days; the easiest way is about 4 pages after each of the five daily prayers.
- Can I read the Quran on my phone without wudu?Yes, most scholars allow reading the Quran on a phone without wudu, because a phone is not a printed mushaf.
- What are the best duas to make in Ramadan?There is no single best dua: any sincere dua is valuable, and the fasting person's dua is especially accepted.
- Should I make up missed prayers in Ramadan?Yes, an obligatory prayer that you miss must be made up as soon as you can, in Ramadan or at any other time.
- Do prayer times change during Ramadan?No, prayer times follow the same rules all year, based on the sun, so Ramadan does not change them.
- What dhikr should I do in Ramadan?The best dhikr is simple: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar and Astaghfirullah.
- Can I read from a Quran while praying Taraweeh?Yes, most scholars allow reading from a mushaf or a screen in voluntary prayers like Taraweeh if you have not memorised enough.
Zakat and charity (20)
- What is zakat?Zakat is the obligatory yearly charity of Islam: 2.5% of savings and other qualifying wealth that stays above the nisab for one lunar year.
- Do I have to pay zakat in Ramadan?No, zakat is not tied to Ramadan: it is due when your wealth has stayed above the nisab for a full lunar year.
- What is the nisab for zakat?The nisab is the minimum wealth that makes zakat due: the value of 85 g of gold or 595 g of silver.
- How do I calculate zakat?Add up your zakatable wealth on your zakat date, subtract debts due now, and pay 2.5% if the total reaches the nisab.
- Do I pay zakat on gold jewellery?Most scholars say no zakat is due on gold jewellery you wear regularly, but it is due on gold kept as savings, such as coins and bars.
- Do I pay zakat on my savings?Yes, if your savings, with your other zakatable wealth, stay above the nisab for a lunar year, you pay 2.5% of them.
- Do I pay zakat on my monthly salary?No, zakat is not due on your salary as soon as you receive it; it is due on what you save from it.
- Do I pay zakat on my house and car?No, there is no zakat on the home you live in or the car you use.
- Do I pay zakat on shares and crypto?Yes, zakat is generally due on shares and on permissible crypto held as an investment, usually 2.5% of their market value on your zakat date.
- Who can receive zakat?Zakat can be given to the eight groups named in the Quran (At-Tawbah 9:60), mainly the poor and the needy.
- Can I give zakat to my family members?Yes, you can give zakat to eligible relatives such as siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins, and it brings extra reward.
- What is Zakat al-Fitr?Zakat al-Fitr is a small compulsory charity paid per person at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid prayer.
- How much is Zakat al-Fitr?Zakat al-Fitr is one sa' of staple food per person, about 2.5–3 kg of rice, wheat, dates or similar.
- When should Zakat al-Fitr be paid?Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer, ideally on Eid morning or a day or two before.
- Can Zakat al-Fitr be paid in money?Yes, many scholars and most zakat bodies today accept paying Zakat al-Fitr as the cash value of the food.
- Who has to pay Zakat al-Fitr?Every Muslim with more than their basic needs on Eid must pay Zakat al-Fitr for themselves and the family they support, including children.
- What is the difference between zakat and sadaqah?Zakat is a fixed, obligatory share of your wealth for set groups of people; sadaqah is voluntary charity of any amount.
- What is fidya and how much is it?Fidya is feeding one poor person for each Ramadan fast missed, for people who can never fast, such as the very elderly or chronically ill.
- What is kaffarah for breaking a fast?Kaffarah is the expiation for intimate relations during a Ramadan fast: fasting 60 days in a row, or feeding 60 poor people if unable.
- Can I deduct my debts when calculating zakat?Yes, you can deduct debts that are due now or soon, such as bills and this year's loan instalments.
Laylat al-Qadr and the last ten nights (12)
- What is Laylat al-Qadr?Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree or Power, is the night the Quran was first revealed, and worship on it is better than a thousand months.
- When is Laylat al-Qadr?Laylat al-Qadr falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely on an odd night (the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th).
- What are the signs of Laylat al-Qadr?The best-known sign, from an authentic hadith, is that the sun rises the next morning without strong rays.
- What dua should I say on Laylat al-Qadr?Say "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni": O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me (Tirmidhi).
- What should I do on Laylat al-Qadr?Spend the night in worship: prayer, Quran, dua, dhikr, seeking forgiveness and charity.
- Is Laylat al-Qadr always on the 27th night?No, it is not certain to be the 27th; the Prophet told us to seek it in the odd nights of the last ten.
- Why are the last ten nights of Ramadan special?The last ten nights are special because Laylat al-Qadr falls in them, and the Prophet worshipped hardest in them.
- What is I'tikaf?I'tikaf is staying in a mosque for a period of time with the intention of worship, away from worldly matters.
- What are the rules of I'tikaf?In I'tikaf you stay in a mosque with the intention of worship, leave only for real needs and avoid intimate relations.
- Can women do I'tikaf?Yes, women can do I'tikaf; the Prophet's wives did it in his lifetime and after him.
- Can I do I'tikaf for just a few hours?Yes, most scholars allow I'tikaf for a short time, even a few hours, if you stay in a mosque with the intention of I'tikaf.
- What does "better than a thousand months" mean?It means worship on Laylat al-Qadr is better than worship over a thousand months, more than 83 years, without it.
Eid al-Fitr and Shawwal (14)
- When is Eid al-Fitr 2027?Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on Tuesday 9 March 2027 (Umm al-Qura calendar), or Wednesday 10 March in some countries.
- What is Eid al-Fitr?Eid al-Fitr is the festival that marks the end of Ramadan, on the 1st of Shawwal.
- How do I pray the Eid prayer?The Eid prayer is two rakats prayed in congregation in the morning, with extra takbirs before the recitation, followed by a sermon.
- Is the Eid prayer obligatory?The Eid prayer is a strongly emphasised act that the Prophet never missed, and some scholars consider it obligatory.
- What are the sunnahs of Eid al-Fitr?The sunnahs of Eid al-Fitr include ghusl, best clothes, eating dates before the prayer, saying the takbir and changing routes.
- What is the Eid takbir and when is it said?The Eid takbir is a phrase glorifying Allah, such as "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah…".
- Can I fast on the day of Eid?No, fasting on the day of Eid al-Fitr is forbidden, whatever the type of fast.
- What is the reward of fasting six days of Shawwal?Fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan brings the reward of fasting a whole year, according to an authentic hadith.
- Can I fast Shawwal before making up missed fasts?It is best to make up missed Ramadan fasts first and then fast the six days of Shawwal.
- What do you say to someone on Eid al-Fitr?The most common greeting is "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid).
- What is Eidi?Eidi is a gift, usually money, that elders give to children and loved ones on Eid.
- Can women attend the Eid prayer?Yes, women are encouraged to attend the Eid prayer.
- Should I eat before the Eid al-Fitr prayer?Yes, it is sunnah to eat something before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, ideally an odd number of dates.
- Is Ramadan 29 or 30 days long?Ramadan is either 29 or 30 days, never more or less, because it follows the moon.
Marriage and intimacy (14)
- Can you get married in Ramadan?Yes, you can get married in Ramadan; the marriage contract (nikah) is valid in any month.
- Is intimacy with my spouse allowed at night in Ramadan?Yes, intimacy between husband and wife is allowed in Ramadan from sunset until dawn.
- What if a married couple has intercourse while fasting?Intercourse during a Ramadan fasting day breaks the fast and is a serious sin.
- Can I kiss my husband or wife while fasting?A kiss between spouses does not break the fast in itself, as the Prophet sometimes kissed his wives while fasting.
- Can I hug my spouse while fasting?Yes, hugging your spouse is allowed while fasting and does not break the fast.
- Does masturbation break the fast?Yes, deliberate masturbation that leads to ejaculation breaks the fast according to most scholars.
- Does pre-seminal fluid (madhi) break the fast?No, according to many scholars and the view most widely followed today, pre-seminal fluid (madhi) does not break the fast.
- Do I need ghusl before Fajr after intimacy at night?No, you do not need ghusl before Fajr for your fast to be valid.
- Is having a boyfriend or girlfriend allowed in Ramadan?No, romantic relationships outside marriage are not allowed in Islam, in Ramadan or at any other time.
- Do lustful thoughts break the fast?No, thoughts that come to your mind do not break the fast, and you are not blamed for passing thoughts.
- Does watching haram content break the fast?Watching haram content does not by itself break the fast, but it is sinful and can wipe out its reward.
- Does a wife need permission for voluntary fasts?Yes, for voluntary fasts a wife should get her husband's agreement when he is at home, according to an authentic hadith.
- Can we hold a wedding party during Ramadan?Yes, a wedding celebration is allowed in Ramadan, held after iftar so guests can eat.
- Is intimacy allowed during I'tikaf?No, intimate relations are not allowed during I'tikaf, by day or by night, and intercourse ends the I'tikaf.
Halal and haram (13)
- Is listening to music allowed in Ramadan?Music does not break the fast, but most scholars consider musical instruments disliked or forbidden, in Ramadan and at all times.
- Does swearing break the fast?No, swearing does not break the fast and you do not have to make up the day, but it can take away much of its reward.
- Do lying and backbiting break the fast?No, according to most scholars lying and backbiting do not break the fast, so you do not make up the day.
- Can I watch TV and movies while fasting?Yes, watching TV or films does not break your fast, as long as the content is decent.
- Can I wear nail polish in Ramadan?Yes, you may wear nail polish: it does not break the fast.
- Can I use hair dye or henna while fasting?Yes, you can use hair dye or henna while fasting; they are applied to the outside of the body and do not break the fast.
- Can I cut my hair or nails while fasting?Yes, you can cut your hair and nails while fasting; it has no effect on the fast at all.
- Can I drink alcohol at night in Ramadan?No, alcohol is forbidden in Islam at all times, day and night, inside and outside Ramadan.
- Is smoking haram in Islam?Most scholars today consider smoking haram because of the serious harm it does to health.
- What should I do if someone insults me while fasting?Do not insult them back: the Prophet taught the fasting person to say "I am fasting" and stay calm.
- Can I use social media while fasting?Yes, using social media does not break the fast and is allowed, as long as what you watch, post and say is halal.
- Does getting a tattoo break the fast?No, a tattoo does not break the fast, according to most scholars.
- Is my fast valid if I do not wear hijab?Yes, your fast is valid even if you do not wear hijab.
Family, work and travel (11)
- At what age should children start fasting?Fasting becomes obligatory when a child reaches puberty.
- How can I teach my children about Ramadan?Teach children about Ramadan through stories, small practice fasts, cooking iftar together and giving charity.
- Can I skip fasting because of exams?No, exams alone are not a valid reason to skip a Ramadan fast.
- Can I break my fast because my job is hard?A hard job is not by itself a reason to skip fasting, so start each day fasting.
- Can I break my fast while travelling?Yes, a traveller may break the fast and make up the days later; this is a concession from the Quran.
- How far do I have to travel to skip fasting?Most scholars put the minimum travel distance at about 80 km (around 50 miles) one way.
- Can non-Muslims fast during Ramadan?Yes, non-Muslims are welcome to try fasting, and many do so to support Muslim friends.
- Is it rude to eat in front of someone who is fasting?No, it is generally not rude: most Muslims do not expect others to stop eating, as fasting is their own act of worship.
- I just became Muslim. Do I have to fast?Yes, once you are Muslim, adult and able, fasting Ramadan is obligatory from the first full day after you accept Islam.
- How can I fast when my family is not Muslim?You can fast with a non-Muslim family by explaining Ramadan kindly, planning your own suhoor and iftar and staying close to them.
- What should I say to a Muslim during Ramadan?You can say "Ramadan Mubarak" (blessed Ramadan) or "Ramadan Kareem" (generous Ramadan).
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These answers give the general ruling based on the Quran, the Sunnah and the mainstream view of scholars. For a personal situation, ask a qualified scholar you trust.