Fasting Guide
Complete guide to Islamic fasting (Sawm)
What is Fasting?
Fasting (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). It is a time for spiritual reflection, increased devotion, and worship.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous."
Quran 2:183
Fasting Times
Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)
The pre-dawn meal eaten before Fajr prayer. It is recommended (Sunnah) to eat suhoor as late as possible before Fajr time begins.
Iftar (Breaking Fast)
The meal to break the fast at sunset. It is Sunnah to break the fast as soon as Maghrib time enters, preferably with dates and water.
What Breaks the Fast
If any of these occur by mistake or forgetfulness, the fast is still valid. Only intentional actions break the fast.
What Does NOT Break the Fast
Types of Fasting
Obligatory Fasts
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Ramadan Fast
Fasting the entire month of Ramadan is obligatory for every adult Muslim.
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Make-up (Qaza) Fasts
Fasts missed during Ramadan must be made up before the next Ramadan.
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Expiation (Kaffara) Fasts
Fasting required as expiation for certain sins or broken oaths.
Recommended Fasts
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Monday & Thursday
The Prophet (PBUH) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.
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White Days (Ayyam al-Bid)
13th, 14th, and 15th of each Islamic month.
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Six Days of Shawwal
Fasting six days in Shawwal after Eid al-Fitr.
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Day of Ashura
10th of Muharram (with 9th or 11th).
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Day of Arafah
9th of Dhul Hijjah (for non-pilgrims).
Days When Fasting is Forbidden
Eid al-Fitr (1 day) and Eid al-Adha (4 days)
11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah
Special Situations
Traveling
Travelers may break their fast and make it up later. The journey must be a significant distance (typically 80+ km).
Illness
May break fast if harmful; make up when recovered
Pregnancy & Nursing
Pregnant and nursing women may break their fast if they fear harm to themselves or their child.
Elderly & Chronic Illness
Those permanently unable to fast must pay Fidyah (feeding one poor person) for each day missed.
Fasting Duas
Intention for Fasting (Niyyah)
نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أَصُومَ غَدًا مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ المُبَارَكِ فَرْضًا لَكَ يَا اللهُ فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ العَلِيمُ
Nawaitu an asuma ghadan min shahri ramadan al-mubaraki fardan laka ya Allah, fataqabbal minni innaka anta al-sami'u al-'alim
I intend to fast tomorrow in the blessed month of Ramadan as an obligation for You, O Allah. Accept it from me, for You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
Dua for Breaking Fast
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu
O Allah, for You I have fasted and with Your provision I break my fast.
Another Dua for Iftar
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Dhahaba al-zama'u wa abtallatil-'uruqu wa thabatal-ajru in sha Allah
Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.
Tips for Healthy Fasting
Stay hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor
Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor. Avoid caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate you.
Eat balanced meals with proteins, carbs, and vegetables
Include proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables in your Suhoor and Iftar.
Never Skip Suhoor
Eating Suhoor provides energy throughout the day and is a blessed Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).
Eat Moderately
Avoid overeating at Iftar. Break your fast with dates and water, pray Maghrib, then have your meal.