Ramadan Fasting Rules in Islam: Sehri, Iftar, Niyyat, Dos and Don’ts Explained

Learn Ramadan Roza rules, Sehri and Iftar timing, Niyyat importance, dos and don’ts, what breaks a fast, and exemptions for sick, travelers and pregnant women.

17 Feb 2026 15:04 IST

In Islam, the holy month of Ramadan is considered the most blessed and virtuous. It's not just about enduring hunger and thirst, but also about controlling your mind and desires. If you're fasting for the first time or want to better understand its rules, this information will be very helpful.

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Let's learn the dos and don'ts during Ramadan.

The correct way to start the fast:

Fasting begins with a meal called "Sehri" before sunrise. Sehri is a meal that provides energy for the day. It's crucial to make an intention before fasting. Niyyat means making a firm determination in your heart that you are fasting only for the pleasure of Allah.

The fast is broken in the evening after sunset, which is called "Iftar." Breaking the fast by eating dates is considered beneficial for health.

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What to do in Ramadan

Five times a prayer: It's essential to pray along with fasting. This gives you discipline and peace of mind.
Reading the Quran: Reading the Quran and understanding its meaning is considered a very virtuous act during this month.
Zakat and Sadaqa (charity): Ramadan teaches us to understand the pain of others. Therefore, helping the poor and feeding them is an important part of this month.
Patience and etiquette: The true purpose of fasting is to control anger and remain grateful in all circumstances.

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Avoid these things:

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Lying and slander: Speaking ill of someone behind their back or telling lies harms the spirit of fasting.
Fighting: Fighting or abusing others during fasting is strictly prohibited. This negates the reward (virtue) of fasting.
Intentional eating or drinking: If you accidentally eat or drink something, the fast is not broken. However, intentionally drinking even a small amount of water does break the fast.
Fasting isn't just for the stomach: Remember, fasting isn't just for the stomach, but also for the eyes, ears, and tongue. Avoid seeing or hearing inappropriate things.

Who is exempt from fasting?

Fasting is mandatory in Islam, but exemptions are granted in certain circumstances. People who are sick, very elderly, travelers, or pregnant women are allowed to skip their fast. However, they must make up their fast (qadha) later (fasting to replace the missed fast).

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Ramadan