Fasting during Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, involves abstaining from certain activities from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). Here are the basic rules:

1. Fasting Hours: Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. The fast includes abstaining from eating, drinking (including water), smoking, and marital relations.

2. Intentions (Niyyah): The intention to fast must be made each night before the fast begins. This is often done in the heart, but it’s a conscious decision to fast for the sake of Allah.

3. Exemptions: Certain individuals are exempt from fasting, including:

Children (prepubescent)

The elderly and sick (if fasting would harm them)

Pregnant or nursing women (if fasting could affect their health or that of the child)

Travelers (with the option to make up the fast later)

4. Pre-Dawn Meal (Suhoor): It is recommended to eat a pre-dawn meal before Fajr prayer. This meal helps sustain one during the fast.

5. Breaking the Fast (Iftar): The fast is broken at sunset with the Iftar meal, traditionally starting with dates and water, followed by a larger meal.

6. Spiritual Focus: Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink. It is a time to purify the soul, increase devotion through prayer, reading the Quran, and doing good deeds.

7. No Swearing or Sinning: It is recommended to avoid sinful behavior, such as lying, swearing, and arguing, while fasting.

8. Making Up Missed Fasts: If someone is unable to fast due to illness, travel, or other reasons, they should make up the missed days after Ramadan. If this is not possible, they can provide charity as compensation (fidya).

9. Taraweeh Prayers: These are special prayers performed after the Isha (night) prayer during Ramadan, though they are not obligatory.

Fasting in Ramadan is seen as a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and community bonding.