Rules of Ramadan - what you can and can't do during the holy month

As Ramadan comes to an end, thousands of Muslims turned out to Platt Fields park to celebrate Eid al-Fitr
-Credit:Manchester Evening News


Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is set to occur later this month. This period holds significant importance for Muslims worldwide as it's believed to be when the first verse of the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan, millions of Muslims across the globe, including those in Merseyside, observe a fast from dawn till dusk. This involves refraining from eating or drinking and avoiding "sinful behaviour" such as smoking and sexual activity.

The anticipated start, end and other key dates for Ramadan 2025 can be seen here. These dates are, however, subject to change based on the sighting of the moon, as the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: Is BBC drama 'Miss Austen' based on a true story?

READ MORE: Gary Lineker blown away by one thing after meeting Arne Slot at Liverpool training

This holy month provides Muslims with an opportunity to earn "infinite blessing and reward". The fast, known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and aims to bring Muslims closer to God and remind them of the hardships faced by the less fortunate.

Dos and don'ts of Ramadan

Fasting during Ramadan involves more than just giving up food and drinks during daylight. It also includes maintaining abstinence from sexual intercourse, avoiding immoral behaviour, and eschewing impure thoughts, which can cover areas like dishonest speech, injurious actions or intentions.

Observance of Ramadan, including fasting, is fundamental to Islam’s five pillars. The principles of Islam, which all Muslims adhere to, include the Shahadah (profession of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), and the Hajj pilgrimage.

ADVERTISEMENT

During Ramadan, Muslims increase their offering of Salat, expressing gratitude to Allah. Fasting allows the community to empathise with those in need. All adults, both male and female, who have reached puberty are required to fast.

People pray at the Taste Ramadan event on Liverpool Pier Head last year
People pray at the Taste Ramadan event on Liverpool Pier Head last year -Credit:Liverpool Echo

Exceptions

Those who are ill or travelling during Ramadan and cannot participate in fasting are expected to make up the days of fasting at a later time. Women who are pregnant, menstruating, or breastfeeding are not required to fast. If a woman begins her period during Ramadan fasting, the fast is broken, and she must compensate for it later.

The elderly and those with chronic illnesses, including diabetes, as well as those with severe mental health conditions, are exempt from fasting. Medical professionals can provide advice on whether an individual is healthy enough to fast.

ADVERTISEMENT

Those with permanent health conditions who cannot fast are encouraged to engage in charitable acts such as assisting the poor. If someone is unable to fast during Ramadan and cannot make up the lost days afterwards, they should pay for someone else's meal - an act known as fidyah.

The fast is also invalidated if one deliberately induces vomiting, but not if it occurs spontaneously or involuntarily. The vomit should not be swallowed.

However, if you require injections for health reasons, it's completely fine to continue with them, and the fast will remain intact. Concerns were raised during the Covid vaccine rollout about receiving a jab during Ramadan, but this is entirely permissible.

Swallowing

You can brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but swallowing any water would break the fast. Swimming, bathing or showering are also acceptable, provided you don't swallow any water.

ADVERTISEMENT

Accidentally swallowing food, dust, or even your own saliva will not break the fast. You're also allowed to deliberately taste food, for example, when checking the seasoning while preparing a meal for iftar later, as long as you don't swallow the food.

Relationship and marriage guidelines during Ramadan

During the fasting hours of Ramadan, intimate activities are not allowed. This means that married couples can only kiss, hug, cuddle and engage in sexual relations before the fast begins and after it ends.

Islam does not approve of sexual relationships or public displays of affection between individuals who are not married. Unmarried couples are advised to spend time separately with their respective families.

Even though getting married during Ramadan is permissible, the same rules apply, and any displays of affection must be postponed until after fasting hours. Single Muslims observing Ramadan are permitted to converse with others, but flirting is discouraged as it could lead to intimacy.

It is suggested that people avoid dating or attending parties and instead dress and behave modestly.

Rules broken

If a fast is missed or broken during Ramadan without a valid reason, there is a penalty known as Kaffarah. This is a mandatory religious donation intended to assist those in greatest need.

According to religious tradition, adult Muslims are required to fast continuously for 60 days to atone for a broken fast. If this is not possible, they must provide one person with two meals a day for two months. It is thought that this is calculated at the rate of £5 per day.