What are the fasting rules during Ramadan?

RAMADAN is a month where Muslims fast and reflect.

Here, we take a look at what the rules of fasting are during this month and when they can eat.

What are the rules of fasting during Ramadan?

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are supposed to abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.

If they break fast, they must compensate by fasting later in the evening.

Or they can pay "fidyah", a religious term for donation of food or money.

It is expected that adult Muslims fast as it is one of the five pillars of Islam.

However, there are some allowances for those who are pregnant, ill, or menstruating.

It is thought abstaining from these activities will lead to greater "taqwa", or consciousness of God.

A pre-fast meal is eaten before dawn, called the suhur, and a meal is eaten to break the fast once the sun sets - iftar.

How long do Muslims fast for?

Ramadan lasts for 30 days, and takes place in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.

The first day of fasting begins on March 23, 2023.

The fast begins at sunrise after suhur and then finish at sunset with iftar.

The final iftar should take place on the evening of April 21, 2023.

Do children fast?

Muslims are expected to begin fasting when they begin puberty, usually at the age of 14.

There is no law opposing children or teens observing the fast.

The advice from the NHS reads: "It's a good idea to make children aware of what fasting involves and to practice fasting for a few hours at a time.