Ramadan - Five Facts From The Qur'an About Fasting You Should Know

1.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calender, and it is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed according to the following verse in the Qur'an:


Qur'an: 2: 185:

"The month of Ramadan (is that) in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights (the new moon of ) the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. ALLAH intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and (wants) for you to complete the period and to glorify ALLAH for that (to) which he has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."

2.

Fasting is compulsory for all adult Muslims according to the following verse in the Qur'an:

Qur'an: 2: 183:

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous."

3.

You can be exempt from fasting if you are ill or travelling but you have to make up the missed number of days later or feed a poor person for each day missed, as stated in the Qur'an:

Qur'an: 2: 184:

"(Fasting for) a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey (during them) - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew."

4.

It is permissible for a married couple to have sexual relations after the fast for the day has ended, this was not permitted before but it later became permissible as can be deduced from the following verse in the Qur'an:

Quran: 2: 187:

"It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. ALLAH knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which ALLAH has decreed for you. And 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. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the Mosques. These are the limits [set by] ALLAH, so do not approach them. Thus does ALLAH make clear his ordinances to the people so that they may become righteous."

5.

Fasting starts at dawn and ends at sunset, as stated in the Qur'an:

Qur'an: 2: 184:

"And 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."