Fasting (Sawm)
A comprehensive guide to the fourth pillar of Islam, including rules, virtues, and etiquettes.
The intention to fast must be made before Fajr (dawn). It is an act of the heart.
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Wa bisawmi ghadin nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan
"I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan"
It is a Sunnah to eat a meal before dawn. The Prophet (PBUH) said there is blessing in Suhoor.
Finish eating before the Fajr adhan begins.
From dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), one must abstain from food, drink, and marital relations.
Also safeguard your tongue, eyes, and ears from sins.
Hasten to break the fast as soon as the sun sets (Maghrib time).
Dua to Recite
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizq-ika aftartu
"O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance"
Every adult, sane, healthy Muslim.
Travelers, the sick, elderly, pregnant or nursing women, and women on menstruation/postnatal bleeding.
Eating/drinking intentionally, intentional vomiting, and marital relations during the day.