Dos and Donts in Ramadan for Muslims as well as non Muslims
Why do Muslims fast?
While some Ramadan rules are detailed in the Hadith (accounts of the prophet Muhammad's life, the main gist can be found in the Qur’an.
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa [God-consciousness]. – The Qur’an, Al-Baqarah:183
“The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments,” according to CAIR. Like Catholics who fast for Lent, Muslims fast to get closer to God. Unlike Jewish fasting for Yom Kippur, Ramadan isn’t so much about atonement. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, after (1) monotheism (2) daily prayer (3) charity and before (5) pilgrimage to Mecca. In many Muslim families, Ramadan is a time of togetherness, like the shared worship of a Christmas mass or the shared cooking and facetime of Thanksgiving.
How can non-muslims participate?
Some non-muslims participate in fasting, especially if they live in a muslim country or have lots of Muslim friends. In Western countries where food and drink are flowing through the day during Ramadan throughout the day right under their hungry and thirsty mouths, non-muslims can support their muslim friends by not eating or drinking in front of them. Non-muslims are also often invited to Ramadan feasts. Ramadan isn’t all about abstinence. Post-sunset dinners during Ramadan can be decadent feasts. Called “iftar,” the fast-breaking meal is open to non-muslims. CAIR has urges local Muslim leaders to hold interfaith iftars and have put out a guide on how to do so.
Fasting person should not lie or commit evil deeds
- The Prophet (saw) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" (Bukhari)
- Backbiting, lying, fighting, abusing, profanities and arguing corrupts the fast.(Bukhari)
- Cracking dirty jokes, obscene vulgar actions, immoral behaviour and conversations on vulgar topics are all forbidden in the state of fasting. (Ibn Khuzaima) (such things are forbidden even under normal conditions but such deeds while fasting corrupts the fast.)
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| Ramadan - The Dos and Donts of Dieting and Working out |
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the most important months for Muslims, so here's your handy guide to what you should - and shouldn't be - doing during the Holy Month.
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| Dos and Don;ts in Ramadan for Muslims |
DO - Exchange Ramadan Greetings
It is customary to use the greeting “Ramadan Kareem” when meeting Muslims, and at the end of Ramadan, for the three day Eid celebrations, “Eid Mubarak”. You may feel uncomfortable to say the foreign words now but during the month of Ramadan the greetings are everywhere and using them is appreciated.
DO - Be Charitable in Ramadan
An important element of the Holy Month is to be generous to those less fortunate by donating food, clothes or money to individuals and charitable organisations. Muslims are expected to give Zakat which is approximately 2.5% of their annual savings to the less fortunate. However the spirit of giving is all around with many charities such as Adopt-A-Camp allowing everyone to get involved in some way. If you would like to acknowledge your Muslim maid or gardener, a token gift will be appropriate and much appreciated.
DO - Be Considerate
Fasting can play havoc with a person’s eating and sleeping habits, so be sympathetic to people around you. If you feel yourself getting irate or angry just take a deep breath and smile. Remember that it is difficult to function on no food and water.
DO - Stop Smoking
As with eating and drinking, smoking is not allowed in public during the Holy Month of Ramadan. It’s the perfect time to quit; go on…. you know you want to! This is probably the best time to quit as smoking areas are few and far between and you will already be forced to cut down due to lack of smoking space.
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| Do's and Don'ts in Ramadan for Non Muslims |
Ramadan: Beyond the Fast – A Guide for All
Ramadan is often described to those outside the faith as "the month where Muslims don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset." While factually true, that description is like describing a wedding as "an event where people wear uncomfortable shoes." It misses the heartbeat of the occasion.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, believed to be the period when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. For Muslims, it is a spiritual "recharge" period—a time to detox the soul, practice self-discipline, and re-establish a connection with the Divine and the community.
Whether you are observing the fast or living/working alongside those who are, navigating this month with grace requires a mix of cultural literacy and spiritual empathy.
For Muslims: Refining the Fast
The "Do's" of Ramadan for a believer extend far beyond the stomach. It is an exercise in Taqwa (God-consciousness).
The Do’s
Prioritize the Suhoor (Pre-dawn meal): It’s tempting to sleep through it, but the Prophet emphasized its blessing. It’s not just about fuel; it’s about the intention (Niyyah) for the day ahead.
Practice "Tongue Fasting": Fasting is invalidated—spiritually, if not legally—by backbiting, lying, or losing one's temper. If someone provokes you, the traditional response is to say, "I am fasting," as a reminder to yourself more than them.
Focus on Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Generosity is amplified this month. It’s not just about money; it’s about sharing your Iftar (break-fast meal) with neighbors, including non-Muslims.
Maximize the Last Ten Nights: These nights house Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree), which is described as being better than a thousand months. It is a time for intense prayer and seeking forgiveness.
The Don’ts
Don't "Feast then Sleep": A common pitfall is overindulging at Iftar to the point of lethargy. The goal is to feel light enough for the Tarawih (nightly prayers), not to enter a food coma.
Don't neglect your work/studies: Ramadan is not an excuse for laziness. Historically, many of the greatest achievements in Islamic history occurred during this month. Productivity is a form of worship.
Don't judge others: You may see someone not fasting. They could be traveling, ill, pregnant, or have a hidden medical condition. Ramadan is a journey of the self, not a platform for policing others.
For Non-Muslims: Being a Thoughtful Ally
If you live in a Muslim-majority country or have Muslim colleagues, you might feel a bit like you're walking on eggshells. You don't have to, but a few gestures go a long way.
The Do’s
Do feel free to eat and drink: Most Muslims do not expect the world to stop because they are fasting. However, if you are in a public space in a Muslim-majority country, try to be discreet out of respect for the local law and culture.
Do join an Iftar: If you are invited to a break-fast meal, say yes! It is one of the most hospitable experiences you can have. It’s a time of joy, community, and incredible food.
Do offer "Ramadan Mubarak": This means "Blessed Ramadan." It’s a simple, kind acknowledgment that is always appreciated.
Do be mindful of energy levels: By 4:00 PM, your Muslim colleague might be a bit "brain-fogged." If you have a high-stakes meeting or a complex brainstorming session, try to schedule it earlier in the day when their energy is higher.
The Don’ts
Don't "Pity Fast": Saying things like "Oh, you poor thing, not even water?" can be unintentionally patronizing. For Muslims, fasting is a choice made with love and devotion, not a punishment.
Don't ask "Why aren't you fasting?" As mentioned, there are many valid reasons (health, menstruation, etc.) why a Muslim might not be fasting on a particular day. Asking can put them in an awkward position of having to share private medical or personal info.
Don't worry about eating in front of them: Most practitioners are used to it. However, maybe don't describe your lunch in vivid, mouth-watering detail right before sunset!
A Historical and Spiritual Reflection
To understand the "why" behind these rules, we look at the concept of Asceticism vs. Engagement. Historically, many religions view holiness as withdrawing from the world—monks on mountains or hermits in caves. Ramadan is unique because it demands holiness within the chaos of daily life. You are hungry, you are thirsty, you are tired, yet you must still be a good parent, a productive employee, and a kind neighbor.
The moon’s cycle is a central metaphor here. Just as the moon wanes and waxes, so does human faith. Ramadan is the period of the "Full Moon"—a time of maximum illumination where the internal "static" of physical desires is turned down so the "signal" of the spirit can be heard clearly.
The Wisdom of the Hunger
There is a profound psychological shift that happens around Day 10 of the fast. The initial "caffeine headaches" and irritability usually subside, replaced by a strange clarity. This is the goal of the "Don'ts"—by removing the distractions of food, drink, and idle talk, you are forced to confront your own character.
For non-Muslims, observing this discipline from the sidelines can be a lesson in mindfulness. It reminds us that we are more than our consumption. In a world of "instant gratification" and "on-demand" everything, Ramadan stands as a 30-day protest against the idea that we must satisfy every urge the moment it arises.
