Ramadan Basics?

[Gnostic Seeker]

Can you guys acquaint me with the specifics involved in fasting on Ramadan? Like I know Ramadan is said to be the month during which Muhammad first received revelation, and that one basically abstains from food during daylight hours. What else is there besides that? Is there a suggested limit on how much one eats at night and can partners engage in intercourse during the night? Thanks for your consideration.

 

[TashaN]

This wiki is good.

"While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations; in some interpretations, Muslims also refrain from other behavior that could be perceived as sinful, such as swearing, engaging in disagreements, backbiting and procrastination. Food and drink is served daily, before dawn and after sunset."

Ramadan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

After you break your fast you can do whatever you were prohibited from during your fast as if you were in normal non-ramadan days.

Note that Muslims are encouraged to fast in days other than Ramadan as well to purify themselves physically and spiritually but it's not compulsory like the month of Ramadan.

 

[Gnostic Seeker]

So basically its just a fast? I'm trying to understand, so thank you for your time. I'm asking because I might want to try fasting on Ramadan, just because I like trying out religious practices like that, and to get a feel for what Muslims do since I'm learning about your religion. Is it ok for non-Muslims to fast?

 

[TashaN]

It's indeed ok for anyone to fast in Ramadan. Many non-Muslims fast during Ramadan for their health and to try out how it feels. I once saw a review about a book talking about a fasting diet. It's similar to what the Prophet encouraged us to do which is to fast 2 days a week. It's encouraged in Islam to fast in Mondays and Thursdays.

This is the book from Amazon:

Although it's the same plan which is to fast two days a week but of course the method is different. I just thought to include it to show the physical benefits of fasting in general on top of its spiritual benefits.

This is another old book about fasting too:

 

[Gnostic Seeker]

Why is it encouraged for Muslims to fast Mondays and Thursdays if I may ask? Also, thanks for the book recommendations.

 

[Smart_Guy]

Fasting also has a moral. Some people around the world don't have a bite to eat sometimes or even clean water to drink. Fasting gives us a taste of how they feel about it. This teaches us to be kind and caring to those in need. Living the sorrows of others helps, you know. By the end of the month, there is an obligatory tax or charity, one part of the zakat or alms, to be given to the poor not the government, a small token only for the capable to do. This is another point showing how Islam cares for those in need.

Not sure why Mondays and Thursdays are encouraged to fast, but I heard that in those days, deeds of people go up to God, so fasting in such days could be to have a pure spirit while it is done. I think it is kinda going to meet a very important person to report something important that you need to have a clear mind to do it best.

What voids fasting are eating, drinking and sexual intercourse. Other bad deeds hurt fasting and give it less credit. Kinda like having things done right is a good thing, but not doing so, does not void it. It also encourages/trains us to stop doing bad deeds in other non fasting days.