Ramadan and fasting
Islamic Studies · Key Stage 1 · The School
A whole month
Ramadan is a special month. Muslims fast every day. This lasts the whole month. Fasting means no food. It also means no water. This lasts from dawn to sunset. The month moves each year. It follows the moon, not the sun.
Who does not fast
Not everyone fasts. Young children do not fast. People who are ill do not fast. People who are travelling do not fast either. Older people are often excused too. Islam is kind about this. Nobody is forced past what they can manage.
Suhoor and iftar
Families wake before dawn. They eat a meal called suhoor. This helps them through the day. At sunset, they break their fast. This meal is called iftar. Many eat dates first. The Prophet ﷺ did this too. Then a full meal follows.
More than an empty stomach
Ramadan is not only about food. Muslims try to be extra kind. They try to be extra patient. They read the Quran more. They give more to charity. All month, they aim higher. The empty stomach is a daily reminder.
One day of Ramadan
A family wakes before dawn. They are still sleepy. They eat suhoor quickly. The sun rises soon after. All day, they have no food. They have no water either. They still go to school. In the afternoon, they feel tired. At sunset, they break their fast. They eat dates and drink water. This is iftar. A full meal follows soon.