Ramadan For The First Time: Your Ultimate Guide To Fasting
Ramadan holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide. During this month, Muslims fast, reflect, grow spiritually, and strengthen their relationship with God. If you’re unfamiliar with the customs, practices, and meanings behind Ramadan, you might ask: What exactly is Ramadan? How do Muslims observe it? And why is it so important?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Ramadan – from its history to what you can eat and do while fasting, plus some fun facts along the way!
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What is Ramadan?
Ramadan holds deep religious and historical significance in Islam. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is widely regarded as the holiest month of the year. Muslims believe that during this month, Allah revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as guidance for humanity.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core principles that shape the faith. Known as sawm, fasting requires Muslims to abstain from food, drink, smoking, and even marital relations during daylight hours. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset. Ultimately, its primary purpose is to purify the soul, build self-discipline, and cultivate empathy for the less fortunate
But who has to fast, and who is exempt?
- Who needs to fast? All adult Muslims who are physically able to do so are required to fast.
- Who cannot fast? Children, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, travelers, and those who are ill or have chronic medical conditions are excused from fasting. However, those who cannot fast may either make up the missed days later or provide charity (called fidya) as a form of compensation.
Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it’s a holistic experience that encompasses restraint from negative thoughts, bad habits, and other worldly distractions.
When is Ramadan 2025?
In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Saturday, March 1st and end on the evening of Sunday, March 30th. However, the dates may vary slightly based on the sighting of the moon, which is the traditional method for determining the start of Ramadan.
How is Ramadan Determined in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, the start of Ramadan is determined through a process called cerapan anak bulan or the moon sighting. This task is overseen by a special department within JAKIM, known as the Jawatankuasa Rukyah Anak Bulan (Moon Sighting Committee). This committee is responsible for observing the new crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic month.
The committee is stationed at 29 designated Spots of Crescent Observation across the country, strategically chosen to ensure the best possible observation of the moon. Equipped with telescopes and other tools, they attempt to sight the first appearance of the new moon. Once the moon is sighted, the committee reports their findings to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal of Malaysia. It is the Keeper who then officially announces the start of Ramadan to the public.
While modern technology and astronomical calculations aid in predicting the moon’s arrival, the actual sighting remains the decisive factor in confirming the start of the holy month. This traditional practice, alongside modern methods, ensures that Ramadan begins according to the lunar calendar, preserving its spiritual and cultural significance.
What Are the Fasting Hours?
Fasting during Ramadan means refraining from eating, drinking, and other physical needs from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). The exact hours can vary depending on your location, but in many parts of the world, the fasting period can last anywhere from 12 to 16 hours each day.
Tip: The fasting period is divided into two key times: Sahur (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (the meal to break the fast). Muslims usually break their fast with dates and water, following the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), before enjoying a larger meal.
What Can You Do and Cannot Do During Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink. There are several guidelines on what you can and cannot do during this sacred month. Here are some important points to remember:
What you can do:
- Engage in acts of worship like prayer, reciting the Quran, and making dua (supplication).
- Be extra mindful of your actions, as Ramadan is also a time to purify your thoughts, actions, and behavior.
- Give to charity, help others, and support those in need, as Ramadan emphasizes giving back to the community.
What you cannot do:
- Eating or drinking during the daylight hours, unless you are exempt.
- Smoking or engaging in intimate relations during the fasting hours.
- Losing your temper, backbiting, or arguing unnecessarily – it’s a time for spiritual cleansing.
Sunnah Foods to Keep You Energized
In Ramadan, it’s essential to eat the right foods to sustain energy throughout the long hours of fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended certain foods to help maintain energy levels and ensure health during fasting.
Dates are the most well-known and widely consumed food during Ramadan. Packed with fiber, natural sugars, and essential nutrients, dates provide a quick energy boost and help maintain blood sugar levels throughout the day. Many Muslim families also incorporate dates into recipes, as they are considered a superfood with numerous health benefits.
If you’re new to fasting and want to experience a healthy, energy-boosting recipe, consider trying one made by Dr. Soo Wincci, a well-known Chinese celebrity in Malaysia who has been fasting for over 10 years. She refers to it as her Kurma Energy Ball recipe—a mixture of dates and various types of nuts. Dr. Soo believes that her method of fasting, which includes this energy-packed recipe, is like intermittent fasting and has greatly benefited her health and well-being.
Interesting Facts About Ramadan
Did you know? Here are some fun facts about Ramadan:
- Ramadan Twice in 2030: In 2030, Ramadan will fall twice in one calendar year! This occurs because the Islamic lunar calendar is about 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
- Teaching Kids to Fast: Many Muslim parents teach their children to fast from an early age, typically around 5 years old, but in stages. Children may start by fasting for a few hours and gradually work up to full-day fasts. Parents often reward them with a small token, such as RM1 for every full day of fasting, to encourage participation and make the experience fun.
Tips to Stay Active During Ramadan
Maintaining energy levels during Ramadan is essential, especially when fasting for long hours. Here are some tips to help you stay active throughout the day:
- Eat light and nutritious meals during Sahur: Avoid heavy, greasy foods as they may make you feel sluggish. Opt for foods that are high in fiber and protein, like dates and milk. If you’re looking to make it easier, you can soak your dates in milk the night before for an even quicker breakfast.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Get enough rest: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep to recharge your body and mind.
Niat Puasa Ramadan: The Intentions of Fasting
Before starting the fast each day during Ramadan, Muslims must make an intention known as Niat Puasa. This is a vital practice because fasting in Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink; it is an act of worship with spiritual significance.
“Niat Puasa” translates to the intention to fast, and it must be made before dawn (Subuh) each day during the month of Ramadan. The intention can be made quietly in the heart, but it’s important to be mindful that the fast is done for the sake of Allah and as a means of fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The Niat for every night is often recited as:
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ فَرْضِ رَمَضَانَ هَذِهِ السَّنَةِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
“Nawaitu sauma ghadin an adaa’i fardhi Ramadan hadhihi sanati lillahi ta’ala.”
This means: “I intend to fast tomorrow for the obligatory fast of Ramadan this year for the sake of Allah.”
However, to ensure that you do not forget to make the intention before dawn, especially on days when you’re unsure or when you’re waking up at the last minute, Niat Puasa Sebulan (the intention for the entire month of Ramadan) can be made at the start of the month. This allows you to have the intention for fasting already set for the whole month, even if you miss making the individual intention one morning.
The Niat for the whole month can be recited as:
نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ رَمَضَانَ كُلِّهِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
“Nawaitu sauma Ramadan kullihi lillahi ta’ala.”
This means: “I intend to fast the entire month of Ramadan for the sake of Allah.”
Once the Niat is made, the fast officially begins, and the person can proceed with their day until Iftar (breaking of the fast) at sunset. It serves as a reminder that the act of fasting is not just physical abstinence but a form of spiritual growth and devotion.
FAQs About Ramadan
1. Is it a sin to break the fast during Ramadan?
Breaking the fast intentionally without a valid reason (like illness or travel) is considered a sin. However, if you unintentionally eat or drink, it does not break the fast, and you can continue fasting.
2. Will I die from fasting from dawn to sunset?
No, fasting from dawn to sunset is a spiritual practice that has been followed for centuries by millions of people worldwide. The human body is capable of fasting for extended periods with proper hydration and nourishment during non-fasting hours.
3. Why do Muslims fast and not drink at all? Why not just avoid food but allow drinking?
Fasting is a holistic practice that helps Muslims develop self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate. By abstaining from both food and drink, Muslims experience the full meaning of deprivation, allowing for greater spiritual reflection, growth, and purification.
Conclusion
Ramadan is not just a month of fasting—it’s a time for spiritual renewal, growth, and reflection. Whether you’re fasting or simply learning about this holy month, understanding its traditions and practices fosters greater empathy and appreciation for the Muslim community. Ramadan offers a chance to purify the soul, strengthen community bonds, and build meaningful connections with others.
Now, are you ready to embrace the spirit of Ramadan? Let’s approach the month with mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude
