Muslims fast during Ramadan because God commands it in the Quran: "decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous" (2:183). Fasting from dawn to sunset is one of the five pillars of Islam. Its stated goal is taqwa, a constant awareness of God that shapes behavior.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, the month in which the Quran was first revealed. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on or around Monday, 8 February 2027, according to astronomical calculations, with the exact date confirmed by moon sighting. This guide explains why Muslims fast, what the fast involves, who is excused, and how the month ends with Eid.
Key takeaways
- Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for adult, healthy Muslims and is commanded in Quran 2:183–185.
- The fast runs from the first light of dawn until sunset, as described in Quran 2:187, and means no food, drink or sexual relations during those hours.
- People who are ill or traveling may make up missed days later, according to Quran 2:184.
- The Prophet said whoever fasts Ramadan "out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards" will have past sins forgiven (Sahih al-Bukhari 38).
- The Prophet usually broke his fast with fresh dates, or dry dates, or water if there were none (Sunan Abi Dawud 2356).
- Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, one of the two festivals the Prophet established for Muslims (Sunan Abi Dawud 1134).
Why do Muslims fast? The Quran's answer
The direct answer is in the Quran. Fasting is a command from God, and the verse gives its purpose:
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous -
The word translated "righteous" comes from taqwa (taqwa, تقوى), often explained as God-consciousness or mindful awareness of God. By giving up even lawful things like food and water for His sake, a person trains themselves to give up what is unlawful the rest of the year.
The verse also places Muslims in a long tradition. Fasting was "decreed upon those before you," and Jews, Christians and many other communities have their own fasting practices.
The Quran ties Ramadan to revelation itself. "The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people" (Quran 2:185). For Muslims, the month is a yearly celebration of the Quran, which is why many try to read it in full during Ramadan. Our guide to the Quran explains what the book is.
The deeper reasons Muslims give
Muslims usually describe several benefits that grow from the command:
- Closeness to God. In a hadith qudsi, God says that every deed is for the person "except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1904). Fasting is hidden; only God knows whether someone is truly fasting.
- Self-discipline. The same hadith calls fasting "a shield." Muslims are taught to avoid arguments and to say "I am fasting" if provoked.
- Empathy. Feeling hunger reminds people of those who never have enough, and Ramadan is the peak season for charity.
- Forgiveness and renewal. Ramadan is seen as a fresh start. The Prophet said that when Ramadan begins, "the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1899).
Fasting is meant to change behavior, not only appetite. The Prophet said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1903).
What does fasting in Ramadan involve?
The fast (sawm) lasts from dawn until sunset every day of the month. The Quran describes the timing precisely: "eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset" (Quran 2:187).
During daylight hours, a fasting person avoids:
- eating and drinking, including water
- smoking
- sexual relations
Muslims also make extra effort to avoid lying, gossip, anger and other wrongdoing, since these spoil the spirit of the fast. Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. The Prophet said, "Start fasting on seeing the crescent... and if the sky is overcast... complete thirty days of Sha'ban" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1909).
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, listed alongside the declaration of faith, prayer, zakat and pilgrimage in Sahih al-Bukhari 8.
When is Ramadan 2027?
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year in the Western calendar. The International Astronomical Center has calculated that Ramadan 2027 (1448 AH) will begin on or around Monday, 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr expected around 9 or 10 March 2027. Final dates depend on the moon sighting announced by each country or community, so they can differ by a day around the world.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Islam does not require fasting from people for whom it would cause harm. "Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship" (Quran 2:185).
| Group | Must they fast? | What they do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Children before puberty | No | Many practice with half days |
| People who are temporarily ill | No | Make up the days later |
| Travelers | No | Make up the days later |
| Women during menstruation or after childbirth | Not permitted to fast | Make up the days later |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding women who fear harm | No | Schools differ: make up the days, feed a poor person per day, or both |
| Elderly or chronically ill people who cannot fast | No | Feed a poor person for each day (fidyah), based on Quran 2:184 |
| People with mental incapacity | No | Nothing required |
On pregnancy and breastfeeding, the four Sunni schools take different positions on whether making up the days, paying fidyah or both is required. Muslims usually follow their school or ask a local scholar, and anyone with a medical condition is encouraged to consult a doctor.
Suhoor and iftar: the meals of Ramadan
Each fasting day is framed by two meals.
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal
Suhoor (suhur) is eaten before dawn. The Prophet said, "Take Suhur as there is a blessing in it" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1923).
There is no special dua for suhoor in the authentic hadith. The intention to fast (niyyah) is made in the heart and does not need set words. Some printed phrases for the intention are popular, but they are not reported from the Prophet. People often use the time before dawn for personal prayer, since it is a time when Muslims believe God draws near to those who call on Him.
Iftar, breaking the fast
Iftar is the meal at sunset. A short supplication for breaking the fast is reported from the Prophet in Sunan Abi Dawud 2357, graded hasan (good) by al-Albani:
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Dhahaba al-zama'u, wabtallat al-'uruqu, wa thabata al-ajru in sha' Allah.
"Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills."
Another popular dua, "O Allah, for You I have fasted, and with Your provision I have broken my fast," is found in Sunan Abi Dawud 2358 but is graded weak (da'if) by al-Albani. Many Muslims still say it as a general supplication. More morning, evening and mealtime supplications are collected in our guide to daily duas.
Why do Muslims break their fast with dates?
Muslims break their fast with dates because the Prophet did. Anas ibn Malik reported that he "used to break his fast before praying with some fresh dates; but if there were no fresh dates, he had a few dry dates, and if there were no dry dates, he took some mouthfuls of water" (Sunan Abi Dawud 2356). Jami' al-Tirmidhi 695 records his instruction to break the fast with dates, or with water if dates cannot be found.
Dates were the everyday food of Medina. They are also quick to digest and restore energy after a long day without food, which many people find a practical bonus.
Laylat al-Qadr and the last ten nights
The last ten nights of Ramadan are the spiritual high point of the month. One of them is Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, when the Quran was first sent down. The Quran says, "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months" (Quran 97:3).
The Prophet said, "Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017). Many Muslims spend these nights in extended prayer, and some stay in the mosque in spiritual retreat (i'tikaf). Read more in our guide to Laylatul Qadr and Surah al-Qadr.
What is taraweeh?
Taraweeh (tarawih) is an extra night prayer offered after the evening prayer during Ramadan, often in congregation, with long recitation from the Quran. The Prophet said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2009).
The Prophet led it in congregation for a few nights and then prayed at home, explaining that he feared it would become obligatory (Sahih al-Bukhari 2012). Later, the caliph Umar gathered people behind one imam, the practice most mosques follow today. Scholars differ on the number of units, with 8 and 20 both widely practiced.
There is no special dua for taraweeh in the authentic hadith. Worshippers use the general supplications of prayer, and many mosques end with the witr prayer and a long supplication. For the basics of the prayer itself, see how to pray salah.
Why do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr, the "festival of breaking the fast," marks the end of Ramadan. When the Prophet arrived in Medina and found people celebrating two old festivals, he told them: "Allah has substituted for them something better than them, the day of sacrifice and the day of the breaking of the fast" (Sunan Abi Dawud 1134).
Muslims celebrate Eid to thank God for helping them complete the fast. The Quran links the end of the month with gratitude: "to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful" (Quran 2:185).
The day begins with a special prayer, and before it each household pays zakat al-fitr, a small charity in food so the poor can celebrate too. Families then visit each other, wear new clothes, share meals and give gifts to children. Our guide to zakat explains how zakat al-fitr works.
How can non-Muslims support Muslim colleagues during Ramadan?
Muslims do not expect others to change their routine, but small gestures are appreciated:
- Avoid scheduling team lunches or food-centered events during Ramadan when you can.
- Be flexible with meeting times late in the afternoon, when energy dips.
- Allow short breaks at sunset if someone is working through iftar.
- A simple "Ramadan Mubarak" (blessed Ramadan) or "Eid Mubarak" is always welcome.
- Feel free to ask questions. Many Muslims are glad to explain, and some invite colleagues to an iftar.
Read the Ramadan verses on Quran Universe
The verses on fasting are short and worth reading in full. Start with Surah al-Baqarah 2:183 and continue through 2:187, noting the verse about God's nearness, 2:186, placed right in the middle of the fasting passage. Each verse on Quran Universe has the Arabic text, word-by-word meaning and Tafsir Ibn Kathir, which explains the rules scholars drew from them.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Muslims fast because the Quran commands it in 2:183, so that believers may gain taqwa, or God-consciousness. Ramadan is also the month the Quran was first revealed. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is meant to build self-discipline, gratitude, empathy for the poor and closeness to God.
What is the dua for breaking the fast?
The dua reported from the Prophet in Sunan Abi Dawud 2357, graded hasan, is "Dhahaba al-zama'u, wabtallat al-'uruqu, wa thabata al-ajru in sha' Allah," meaning "Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills." It is said after breaking the fast at sunset.
Is there a dua for suhoor?
No specific dua for suhoor is reported in the authentic hadith. The intention to fast is made in the heart and needs no fixed words. The Prophet encouraged eating suhoor, saying there is blessing in it (Sahih al-Bukhari 1923), and many Muslims use the quiet time before dawn for personal prayer.
Why do Muslims break their fast with dates?
They follow the Prophet's practice. Sunan Abi Dawud 2356 reports that he broke his fast with fresh dates, or dry dates if none were available, or water if there were no dates. Dates are also easy to digest and restore energy quickly after a long fast.
When does Ramadan 2027 start?
Astronomical calculations by the International Astronomical Center put the start of Ramadan 2027 on or around Monday, 8 February 2027. The exact date depends on sighting the new crescent moon, so it may differ by a day between countries. Eid al-Fitr is expected around 9 or 10 March 2027.
Why do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr celebrates completing the month of fasting and thanks God for His guidance. The Prophet established it as one of two Muslim festivals, according to Sunan Abi Dawud 1134. It begins with a congregational prayer and zakat al-fitr, followed by family visits, meals and gifts.