EASY GUIDE FOR NEW MUSLIMS

1.3) FASTING: THE MONTH OF RAMADAN

Ramadan, the month of fasting, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and will fall in different times of the year as the Islamic months follow the lunar calendar. Fasting is obligatory on all Muslims during this month with the following exceptions:  young, sick, travelers on a journey and menstruating women.  Foster mothers and  pregnant women are also exempt from fasting if it will harm them or  their babies.   However all missed fasts should be made up. 

Through fasting you will gain enormous spiritual benefits.  The worship of Allah that consisted only of prayer and meditation now expands into the physical realm.  Your whole body is now united with your soul in the worshipping of our Creator and Sustainer, Allah.  But fasting also confers many physical benefits.  It cleanses our body of toxic compounds, rejuvenates our system, eradicates bad habits (like smoking), teaches self discipline. Fasting for thirty days may seem difficult, but gradually, insha Allah, you'll endure it with ease and patience with the help and company of your Muslim brothers and sisters and with the enormous rewards promised by Allah.

Fasting begins at dawn and ends at sunset.  During this period, intake of liquid or solid food, smoking, and sex  is prohibited. A predawn meal (suhur) is usually taken before the fast begins and is highly recommended. The fast is broken as soon as the sunset prayer time comes in (maughrib) with healthy food and liquid (traditionally it is broken with dates, as the Prophet did) and should be done without any delay whatsoever. Precise timing for the start and finish of each fasting day can be obtained from the prayer timetables from the Mosques in your area.