Ramadan has begun and millions of Muslims around the world will now fast from dawn to dusk for around four weeks, while giving up a range of 'bad habits' like gossiping and swearing in favour of focusing their time on prayer, reflection and supporting vulnerable people in their communities.
Explaining the importance of Ramadan, chairman of Swansea Mosque, Farid Ali previously explained to WalesOnline: "Ramadan is a very special month for the Muslim community. It is one of the five pillars in Islam where Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk for 30 days. Muslims wake up in the early morning and eat some food just before sunrise, do their morning prayer then break their fast at sunset with prayers.
"As a community, we come together and break the fast with what is called Iftar. You can do that in the house or in the mosque which will provide food to the Muslim community to break fast. When it is time to break the fast, our muezzin, which is the call to prayer, he will make the alarm over a tannoy and our radio system into people's homes, and as soon as the alarm sounds, that is the signal that the fasting is over and that is the time for them to break the fast."
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Whilst the majority of Muslims know that the annual fast includes all food and drink, some younger Muslims or those that haven't observed the fast for a few years may not be aware that Muslims are also asked to abstain from chewing gum, smoking, vaping, swearing, gossiping, and having sexual relations between dawn and sunset ie. during the fast. For the duas for keeping fast in Ramadan, go here, and for the latest updates on Ramadan, follow our coverage here.
One of the most frequently asked questions on the rules of Ramadan is whether someone can smoke during the holy month. In short, the answer is no. According to online forum, Islam Question & Answer, the reason Muslims are not permitted to smoke during the holy month is because "the smoke contains particles that reach the stomach" and so smoking invalidates someone's fast. It's understood Muslims are not permitted to vape during Ramadan for the same reason.
Another commonly asked question is whether someone can drink water during Ramadan. The answer to that is also no as the fast includes all forms of liquid and practicing Muslims are asked not to consume any food or drink - including water - while fasting. If, however, someone breaks the fast accidentally or because of illness, for example, they can add on the lost days to the end of the fasting period to make up for the time spent not fasting.
Here are the answers to a few of the most commonly-asked questions about Ramadan:
Can you smoke during Ramadan?
No - because "the smoke contains particles that reach the stomach," so it breaches the fast.
Can you vape during Ramadan?
No - for the same reason smoking isn't allowed during Ramadan.
Can you drink water during Ramadan?
No - Muslims observing the fast are not permitted to eat or drink anything - even water - during sunlight hours in the holy month of Ramadan. If, however, someone accidentally breaks the fast - or has to because they're unwell, for example, they can add on the lost days to the end of the fasting period to make up for the time spent not fasting.
What behaviours do I have to give up in Ramadan?
People following Ramadan are encouraged to give up all "bad habits", this includes gossiping and swearing.
Can you have sex during Ramadan?
Having sexual relations during the fast is prohibited. Muslims are encouraged to spend their free time praying, reflecting or supporting their local communities. People may, however, have sexual relations during the night in Ramadan i.e.. outside of the times of the fast.
Does every Muslim have to fast?
No - Muslims are required to fast only if they can, and there are some exceptions:
- If you're unwell, or if fasting will affect your health
- If you're menstruating
- If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or bleeding after childbirth
- If you're travelling
- If you're very young (many Muslim communities say age 14 is an appropriate age to begin fasting others say young people should begin fasting when they reach puberty)
- If you're elderly
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