Have you ever wondered how Muslims go an entire day without even a sip of water? You’re not alone.
Every Ramadan, thousands of people search online asking the same questions: what time can you eat during Ramadan, can you brush your teeth, can you drink water?
These questions come up every year, and interestingly, even practicing Muslims Google them.
The reason is that life presents new situations at different times, and online answers can often be confusing or contradictory. In this blog, we will give you clear and straightforward answers to the 10 most common questions you may have in mind.
(Learn 6 Ramadan Iconic Words)
What Is Fasting in Ramadan and What Does It Involve?
Fasting during Ramadan means abstaining from drinking, eating, and smoking from dawn (Fajr prayer time) until sunset (Maghrib prayer time).
Before starting each day of fasting, Muslims must make an intention in their heart to fast for the sake of Allah. This intention need not be spoken aloud, as a sincere intention in the heart is what truly matters.
This practice is repeated daily throughout the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a fundamental act of worship for Muslims around the globe.
Ramadan rules come from the Quran, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and scholarly interpretations. However, interpretations of Islamic rulings may differ slightly from one scholar to another. Despite these minor differences, the main rules and obligations of Ramadan remain consistent and clear.
What Time Can You Eat During Ramadan?
During Ramadan, you can eat and drink from sunset until dawn. However, if you are sick and unable to fast, you are allowed to eat and drink—but it is respectful not to do so in front of someone who is fasting. The times when you can eat are:
- Iftar (breaking the fast): Begins at sunset, when the Maghrib prayer time starts.
- Suhoor (pre-dawn meal): Eaten before dawn and ends when the Fajr prayer time starts.
Keep in mind that exact times change daily and vary by location based on sunrise and sunset. Most Muslims use local prayer-time apps or Islamic calendars to know the precise fasting hours for their area. During non-fasting periods, eating and drinking are completely normal and encouraged. (Check 10 Tips for a Healthy Ramadan)
What Can You Eat During Ramadan?
Islam does not restrict you from eating specific foods during Ramadan, as long as the food is halal (permissible) and consumed during non-fasting hours. There are no special foods you must eat or avoid during Ramadan.
The emphasis is on moderation, so you should avoid overeating at iftar; nourishment, by choosing foods that sustain you during fasting hours; and gratitude, by being mindful of your blessings and thankful for what you have, whether little or much.
It’s important to know that cultural traditions are very widespread. For example, dates and water are commonly used to break the fast because this follows the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
However, families around the world eat everything from soup to biryani, depending on their heritage and the culture they live in. (Read about 12 Popular Foods in Ramadan)
Can You Drink Water During Ramadan?
No, you cannot drink water during fasting hours.
This is because fasting involves the complete avoidance of all food and drinks, including water. This is clearly stated in the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187).
However, drinking water is completely allowed—and encouraged—between sunset and dawn. Muslims typically drink plenty of water during suhoor to stay hydrated throughout the day.
As an important health note, people with medical conditions that require regular hydration are not obligated to fast if fasting would worsen their condition. This decision should be made based on medical advice from a qualified doctor, not personal judgment.
What Breaks the Fast in Ramadan?
The fast is broken by intentionally eating or drinking anything, including water or coffee, by smoking or vaping, by the onset of menstruation, or by any sexual activity. However, if a person eats or drinks out of forgetfulness—meaning they genuinely forget that they are fasting—the fast remains valid, and they should simply continue fasting once they remember.
Who Is Exempt from fasting during Ramadan?
Children who haven’t reached puberty are exempt. The sick or those with chronic illness may skip fasting, as the Qur’an states: “And whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185).
Elderly people who cannot endure fasting, pregnant or breastfeeding women who fear for their health or their child, and travelers facing difficulty are also exempt.
Those who miss fasts for valid reasons should make up the missed days later or, if unable, provide fidya (feeding a needy person).
Can You Brush Your Teeth During Ramadan?
Yes, you can brush your teeth during Ramadan, as long as you avoid swallowing anything.
Most scholars permit brushing if you are careful not to swallow water or toothpaste. Many Muslims prefer to brush right after suhoor (before dawn) or after iftar (after sunset) to minimize any risk.
Using a miswak (a traditional tooth-cleaning twig) is also a common and accepted practice during fasting hours.
Can You Chew Gum During Ramadan?
No, chewing gum is not allowed during fasting hours.
Even sugar-free gum breaks the fast. This is because the flavors, sweeteners, and small particles mix with saliva and are swallowed, which counts as something entering the body.
The fast is broken even if you do not intentionally swallow the gum itself.
Can You Smoke During Ramadan?
No, smoking is not allowed during fasting hours, as it breaks the fast.
Smoking, including cigarettes, vaping, or shisha, involves inhaling substances into the body, which invalidates the fast.
Beyond Ramadan, smoking is generally considered either prohibited (haram) or strongly disliked (makruh) in Islamic practice.
Many Muslims also use Ramadan as an opportunity to reduce or quit smoking, since the daily fast demonstrates the ability to abstain and practice self-control.
Can You Listen to Music During Ramadan?
Listening to music does not break or invalidate the fast.
However, scholars differ on whether music is generally permissible in Islam. Some discourage it, especially during the holy month, while others allow it depending on the content and context.
Although it may be considered a sin or an “idle deed” that diminishes spiritual reward, listening to music does not affect the legal validity of your fast.
Ultimately, this is a matter of personal practice and interpretation.
Final Word
Ramadan rules are about discipline, mindfulness, and spiritual devotion. The core principles are simple: abstain from food, drink, and certain activities from dawn to sunset, while focusing on worship and self-improvement.
If you are observing Ramadan for the first time, or simply learning about Islamic practices, remember that questions are natural and welcome. The goal is not perfection, but sincere effort and understanding.
Want to deepen your cultural understanding? Learn Ramadan-related Arabic vocabulary with the AlifBee App to connect more meaningfully with this sacred tradition.
