RAMADAN or Ramzan is the holy festival of the Islamic calendar which is observed with utmost devotion and dedication. Ramadan lasts for about 30 days and holds great value for the followers of this religion. During these days, Muslims observe strict fasts known as ‘Roza’, recite prayers, read the holy book of ‘Quran’, practice charity and much more. This year, Ramadan is likely to begin on March 22 when the moon is to be seen over Mecca, and conclude on Friday, April 21 with Eid-al-Fitr. Ramadan is believed to be the most important observance in Islam, with the completion of the month of Ramadan leading to Ramadan Eid or Badi Eid.

As the celebrations of Ramzan include strict fasting from dawn to dusk, there are some important things and rules that one must remember while observing and celebrating this auspicious festival.

Ramadan Fasting Rules

1. Muslims of all ethnicity and race can observe fast or roza during the holy month of Ramadan. According to the rule of fasting, they can have food and drinks only before the sun rises and after the sun sets, known as Sehri and Iftar.

2. It is necessary to stay away from all kinds of impurities and pleasures during the holy month of Ramadan.

3. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and people who are physically or mentally ill are exempted from fasting during this time. Children under puberty don't need to observe fast.

4. The meal consumed before sunrise is called ‘Suhur’, and the meal consumed after sunset is called ‘Iftar’ and people break the fasts with dates.

5. If you are travelling during Ramadan, or are sick, you should not observe the fast. However, it needs to be made up at a later date.

6. As per Ramadan fasting rules, drinking water is also not permissible during fasting.

7. This is an ideal month for Muslims when they practice charity and donations. It is an almsgiving known as zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam along with fasting.

8. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, anger, and gossip, and are meant to try to get along with each other better than normal.

9. According to a Hadith, observing the Ramadan fast is forbidden for menstruating women.

10. If the circumstance preventing fasting is temporary, a person is required to make up for the missed days after the month of Ramadan is over and before the next Ramadan arrives.

11. If an individual breaks his/her Ramadan fast out of forgetfulness, then the person must make up for the entire day later. One must either fast for 60 days after Ramadan or feed 60 people in need (according to the Hanafi school) and fast one day extra.

12. People who are not physically able to fast also come under the exemption category. They should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed if they are financially capable.