Thank you for your question.

Actually, the month of fasting in Islam, Ramadan, is fast approaching (fast…get it…?), so your question is very timely. As you have mentioned, fasting is part of Islam just like it is part of Christianity, Judaism, and other faiths. We believe that the manner of fasting in Islam is done according to the practices of Muhammad, but also closest to the practices of all prophets who came before him, peace be upon them all.

There is a great deal of information and guidance about this way of fasting than one would find in other faiths. The Qu’ran says:

{O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may (learn) self-restraint; (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (but with hardship) is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free-will―it is better for him, and it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew. Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an as a guide to mankind and clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful.} (Qur’an 2:183-185)

In general, fasting must start with the intention of following God’s commands and to please Him alone. As with any good deed, we must do our best to perform it with pure intentions of seeking His Pleasure and Mercy, not for show or other worldly gains.

The fast of Ramadan begins at dawn when the sky begins to change from the black of night, to the first shades of blue. The first prayer of the day is the dawn prayer, so if one intends to fast that day, he/she should get up before the dawn and finish eating before the time of the call to prayer. After that, no food or drink, or sexual intercourse is allowed until the sun sets at the end of the day.

At that time the fast is officially over, and one may return to the regular habits of eating, drinking, etc. until the next morning. If one eats, drinks, or engages in sexual intercourse during daylight hours in Ramadan then their fast is officially broken, and they must repeat the fasting from the beginning another day outside of Ramadan.

If this happens out of sincere forgetfulness, then this does not break the fast and the person should return to refraining from eating, drinking, etc until sunset. God does not hold us to account for things we were unaware of. So unlike the practices of those of other faiths, there is no snacking, liquids, etc. allowed.

There are, however, those who would like to fast, but due to illness, or the hardships of travel, are unable to do so at that particular time. If one is suffering from an illness that requires ingesting medicines regularly throughout the day, or who may put themselves in danger by not eating or drinking, such as diabetics or the elderly, then they are able to compensate for this by feeding a needy person each day they were required to miss the fast.

Ladies who are menstruating are not allowed to fast until their period is done, but they are able to make up the missed days at any time before the beginning of the next Ramadan. Likewise any women who are pregnant, or nursing their baby, and fear they may harm themselves or their child by fasting, are allowed to break their fast, but make up the missed days later on.

So as God says in the above verses, He does not want to put us into difficulties, but fasting has many, many spiritual and physical benefits, so we must do our best to fulfill our duties to fast as He commands.

One can look at the research of scientists and find many benefits to fasting as well. I hope this has been helpful to you and made the matter more clear. Please keep in touch with any questions or comments you may have.