An Essential Guide to the Dos and Don’ts of Ramzan

The key is to remember that Ramzan is a month to reap rewards, and engage in deep divine injunctions.

The holy month of Ramzan has begun. While those who are used to keeping a roza are already aware of the do’s and don’ts, those who are new to fasting maybe be riddled with a lot of questions.

Can one drink water during roza? What about smoking — is that allowed? Is drinking tea permissible? Is it okay to lie during this holy month? On top of all these questions, there are WhatsApp forwards with images of dates, syrups, fruits and sweets that make your mouth water.

Well, there are two ways to look at it — one could say that there’s a lot fasting, but there is also a lot of eating involved in Ramzan. But what is the basic essence in observing this holy month.

It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Every year, the sight of the moon ushers in beginning of the sacred month and this year 17 May marked the first day of Ramzan.

This holy month is a process of self-control, patience, defeating one’s own evils, empathising with the less fortunate, and trying to bring out the best in oneself. As they say, ‘Bura mat dekho, bura mat suno’(Don’t look at evil, don’t listen to any evil).’ Ramzan is all about embracing these values.

The Essential Don’ts

• The first and foremost condition in the rule book is to abstain from eating any kind of food between sunrise to sunset. And this abstinence is serious. So, for all those wondering — no juice, water, or smoking.
• In Islam, consumption of any intoxicant is forbidden. Hence, drinking is prohibited during the sacred period by default.
• Keeping with the spirit of the holy month, one should strictly refrain from lying, gossiping, fostering evil thoughts, fighting, quarrelling, abusing, swearing and holding grudges against others.
• One cannot indulge in sexual acts or evil thoughts while fasting. However, after breaking the fast, one can engage in consensual sexual activity.
• A fast is invalidated if someone deliberately chooses to puke or become unwell.

The Etiquette Guide

The key to Ramzan is reaping rewards and engaging in deep divine injunctions. To please Allah, the almighty, one needs to follow the path to good deeds so the true purpose of Ramzan is achieved.

Roza is one of the five founding principles of Islam. It is applicable to every adult and any transgression is considered sinful.

• The first thing to do in order to keep oneself on the right track is to recite the Quran. Prayers offered during this month are particularly pious.
• Donate zakat al-Fitr as a form of charity to the poor and express gratitude to Allah for bestowing His kindness.
• Organise iftars.
• It is permissible to brush one’s teeth (But careful! Don’t swallow anything)
• Arrange for sehri, the pre-dawn meal consumed early in the morning before the fajr prayer.

Who All Are Exempted From Observing Roza?

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women are exempted, as are those on their periods
• The elderly and the pre-pubescent children.
• Those with chronic medical conditions are excused if fasting is going to endanger their health.
• Travellers on long journeys can excuse themselves as well. However, if fasting is temporarily broken then they need compensate for it later.

Common Myths Debunked

There are a lot of misconceptions and myths about Ramzan, like what can and what cannot lead to "invalidation" of a fast?

• Accidental intake of food or water out of forgetfulness does not invalidate a fast. Intentionally breaking the fast voids it, and the person must make up for the entire day later.
• A fast doesn’t get nullified if one mistakenly swallows water while bathing.
• Swallowing one’s saliva is perfectly permissible.
• Cutting nails/combing hair/shaving beard — none of these lead to invalidation.

Fasting during Ramzan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with faith, prayer, charitable giving, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca. All in all, Ramzan is a spiritual process that aids to the revelation of the Holy Qur'an.

(The story was originally published on Quint Hindi and has been translated.)

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