Why Muslims Fast
For Muslims, fasting has a number of benefits:
1. It helps one to feel compassion for those who are less fortunate and underprivileged. Each day Muslims feel greater appreciation for what they have as a result of feeling hunger and thirst.
2. It allows one to build a sense of self-control and willpower, which can be beneficial throughout ones life in dealing with temptations and peer pressure. Through fasting Muslims learn to control their natural urges such as hunger and thirst, and thus are able to better resist temptations for things which are not necessary, such as drugs or other unhealthy or harmful substances or behaviors.
3. It offers a time for Muslims to "purify" their bodies as well as their souls, by developing a greater sense of humility, spirituality and community. Ramadan is a very spiritual time for Muslims, and often they invite each other to one another's homes to break the fast and pray together. A greater sense of generosity and forgiveness is also characteristic of this time.
Time: When to Fast
Fasting in Islam involves abstinence from three primal physical needs of human beings-food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn (approximately 1 1/2 hours before sunrise) to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan.
Niyyah or Intention of Fast
- To observe the fast, the intention of fasting is essential (Wajib). The intention should be made daily, preferably before dawn of each day of fasting (in Ramadan).
- Niyyah is said to be in the heart instead of on the lips. In your heart, you may say something like: "I intend to observe fast for today."
Suhoor
- Suhoor is a light, predawn meal, recommended before fasting. It is a blessing and hence recommended but not essential.
- Any consumption of food or liquids should cease at least five to ten minutes before the onset of dawn.
Iftar
- Iftar is an Arabic term meaning breaking the fast immediately after the sunset.
- Iftar is a light snack consisting of dates or desserts, along with liquids such as water, juice or milk.
What Breaks the Fast
1. Intentionally eating food, drinking liquids, taking medicine, or smoking during the fasting.
2. Any injection which has some nutritional value.
What does not break the Fast
1. Eating or drinking by mistake unmindful of the fast.
2. Brushing the teeth.
3. Injection or I/V (Intravenous) which is solely medicinal and not nutritional.