- Ramadan is a significant month in Islam for fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and charity
- Despite its importance, many myths and misconceptions surround Ramadan, leading to misunderstandings
- TheRadar has compiled some common myths about Ramadan, providing clarity on its true meaning and practices
Ramadan is one of the most significant months in Islam, and it is observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and charity.
However, despite its deep spiritual and cultural significance, many myths and misconceptions surround Ramadan, often leading to misunderstandings among both Muslims and non-Muslims.
In this article, we will explore and debunk some of the most common myths about Ramadan, shedding light on what it truly means and how it is observed.
16 myths and misconceptions about Ramadan
1. Fasting is only about food and drink
While abstaining from food and drink is a major part of fasting, Muslims also avoid negative behaviours such as lying, gossiping, arguing, or engaging in sinful activities.
The goal is to develop self-restraint, patience, and empathy for those who are less fortunate.
2. Ramadan is only about fasting
Fasting is a key part of Ramadan, but it is not the only focus. Ramadan is also about prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection.
Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran, give to the poor, strengthen their faith, and develop a closer relationship with God.
3. Non-Muslims should not eat in front of Muslims during Ramadan
While it is considerate to be mindful of those who are fasting, most Muslims do not expect non-Muslims to stop eating in front of them.
Fasting is a personal act of worship, and those observing it understand that others may not be fasting.
4. All Muslims must fast
Not all Muslims are required to fast. Islam provides exemptions for those who are sick, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, menstruating, or travelling. Children are also not required to fast until they reach puberty.
Those unable to fast for valid reasons may either make up their fast later or perform Fidya (feeding a needy person per missed fast).
5. You must make up every missed fast
While some missed fasts should be made up later, permanently exempted individuals (such as the elderly or chronically ill) are not required to fast later.
Instead, they can perform Fidya, feeding a needy person for each missed fast. This ensures that even those who cannot fast can still participate in Ramadan’s blessings.
6. Brushing your teeth or using mouthwash breaks the fast
Some people believe that brushing teeth during fasting is not allowed, but this is not true. As long as no water or toothpaste is intentionally swallowed, brushing is permissible.
In fact, oral hygiene is encouraged in Islam, and many Muslims use a Miswak (natural toothstick) or toothbrush to stay fresh throughout the day.
7. Ramadan is only for religious Muslims
Some people assume that only extremely religious Muslims observe Ramadan, but this is false. Ramadan is an obligation for all able-bodied Muslims, regardless of their level of religious devotion.
8. Women must stop fasting when pregnant
Pregnant women have the choice to fast or not, based on their health and doctor’s advice. If fasting could harm the mother or baby, Islam allows her to skip fasting and either make it up later or pay Fidya.
However, some healthy pregnant women choose to fast without any issues.
9. Children must fast once they turn 7 or 10 years old
Islam does not require children to fast until they reach puberty. However, some families introduce fasting gradually, letting children fast for a few hours or half a day to get used to it. This helps them build the habit without forcing them to fast before they are physically ready.
10. Sexual thoughts or desires break the fast
Having sexual thoughts or desires does not break the fast, but acting on them (e.g., engaging in sexual intercourse) during fasting hours does.
However, if someone experiences an involuntary reaction, such as a wet dream, their fast remains valid, and they simply need to perform a ritual cleansing before prayers.
11. Muslims must start and end Ramadan on the same day worldwide
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, different countries may see the crescent moon on different days, leading to variations in when Ramadan starts and ends.
Some communities rely on scientific moon calculations, while others wait for a physical sighting.
12. You can eat until the call to Prayer (Adhan) starts
Some believe that as long as they are eating when the Fajr Adhan (dawn call to prayer) starts, they can continue.
However, eating should stop before the Adhan. The correct time to stop is when the dawn begins, not after the prayer call is made.
13. If you miss Suhoor, you cannot fast
Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) is highly recommended but not mandatory. If someone oversleeps and misses Suhoor, they can still fast.
However, skipping Suhoor may make fasting harder, so it's encouraged to eat something before dawn.
14. You must fast even if you’re travelling
Islam grants travellers the option to skip fasting, especially if the journey is long or exhausting. However, if the person feels capable, they may still fast. If they skip fasting, they must make it up later when they are settled.
15. Muslims are forbidden from having fun during Ramadan
While Ramadan is a serious and spiritual time, Islam does not prohibit joy, humour, or relaxation. Many Muslims spend time with family, share light-hearted moments, and engage in activities that uplift their spirits, as long as they remain mindful of the purpose of Ramadan.
16. Breaking the fast with water is mandatory
Although breaking the fast with dates and water is the Sunnah (Prophetic practice), there is no strict rule that requires this.
If dates are unavailable, Muslims can break their fast with water.
Fasting in Islam: What breaks it, what doesn’t?
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier compiled a list of some actions that can and cannot break your fast.
While eating or drinking and vomiting intentionally can break your fast, eating unintentionally and using miswak or toothpaste doesn't break your fast.