Islam has dedicated the month of Ramadan probably from March 1st onwards in 2025 to daily fasting, fervent prayers and deep spiritual introspection for Muslims all over the globe!
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Ramadan fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam presented in an order, abstaining from all food, drink and sinful behavior between dawn and sunset. Islam stipulates exemptions to fasting for certain categories of people allowing practitioners to perform the fast as an act of devotion, never as an act of hardship. Here is a good guide to the rules, exemptions and major duties of a Ramadan fast!
Ramadan Fasting Rules and Guidelines for Muslims
| Category | Rules and Exemptions |
| Age Requirement for Fasting | Fasting becomes obligatory upon reaching puberty (typically 10-14 years for females and 12-16 years for males). |
| Exemptions from Fasting | Certain individuals are exempt including: Children who haven’t reached puberty Women during menstruation or postnatal bleeding Travelers covering a specific distance Pregnant or breastfeeding women fearing harm to themselves or their babies Elderly individuals unable to endure fasting People with mental disabilities or chronic medical conditions |
| Basic Fasting Rules | No eating or drinking from Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset) Abstain from sinful behavior (swearing, lying, fighting, arguing, deceit, hostility) Make intention (Niyyah) before Fajr each day (spoken or in the heart) |
| Zakat al-Fitr | Mandatory charity given before Eid prayers to help those in need and purify the fast. |
| Duration of Ramadan | Ramadan lasts 29-30 days with daily fasting from dawn to sunset. |
