Fasting

The most prominent event of this month is the fasting (sawm) practiced by observant Muslims. Every day during the month of Ramadan Muslims around the world get up before dawn to eat the Suhoor meal (the pre-dawn meal) and perform their fajr prayer. They do not drink or eat anything after this prayer. They break their fast when the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib (sunset), is due. Muslims may continue to eat and drink after the sun has set until morning fajr prayer.

During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual thoughts and activities during fasting hours are also forbidden.[Qur'an 2:187] Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God Almighty. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and sympathy for those who are less fortunate. It is also intended to make Muslims more generous and charitable.

Those with severe health problems related to eating are exempt from fasting. One reason for this could be that lack of food and liquid in these situations could be detrimental to ones health. While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood ,(which ends at puberty), many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life.

Many observant Muslims anticipate which part of the sidereal year (as opposed to the Islamic Calendar) Ramadan will fall on. A summer Ramadan requires much longer fasting and shorter overnight periods of recovery than a winter one.

Paradoxically studies have shown that some populations actually gain weight during Ramadan. In their research Frost and Price(2) showed it was due to compensatory increased calorie intake overnight.