What not to do in Ramadan: the main prohibitions of the holy month

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, during which believers observe fasting. This is a time of strict restrictions governing behavior throughout the month. The main restrictions apply from dawn to dusk, that is, from early morning to late evening. Not only food and drink are prohibited, but also a number of other actions that can deprive a person of a spiritual reward. For more information about the current bans— see the Izvestia article.

Three levels of prohibitions in Ramadan

The system of prohibitions in Ramadan has a strict hierarchy. Conventionally, it can be represented as three levels (darajah), each of which affects different aspects of life: physical, moral and spiritual. The first level is strict taboos on eating, drinking and intimacy during the daytime, the violation of which cancels fasting.

The second level is sinful actions that do not invalidate fasting, but reduce its value or completely devalue it. These include lying, backbiting, slander, aggression, insults, foul language, swearing, and others.

The third level is undesirable behavior contrary to the spirit of the month: overeating, waste, idleness and excessive entertainment. Such behavior deprives a person of the opportunity to experience the essence of fasting — humility, discipline and gratitude for gifts to Allah.

Why is it forbidden to swear and slander during Ramadan

Fasting is aimed at cleansing not only the body, but also thoughts and intentions. Islam teaches that words can cause harm no less than actions. Therefore, backbiting, gossip, slander, lies and swearing are considered unacceptable during this month. Even if a person formally observes fasting, but allows himself to be insulted or deceived, the spiritual value of his abstinence decreases.

Participation in inappropriate conversations is also prohibited, even if the person himself is not the initiator of them. Listening to vulgar discussions, watching explicit images and videos, and spreading rumors are all contrary to the spirit of Ramadan, as the month should be spent in an atmosphere of restraint, respect, and inner peace.

The Prophet Muhammad instructed that a fasterer should avoid profanity and not respond to rudeness with rudeness. If he is insulted or provoked into conflict, he should say, "I am fasting." This phrase serves not only as a reminder to others, but also as a way of self—control - a signal to yourself not to give in to emotions.

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Is it possible to skip prayer in Ramadan

Ramadan does not cancel the obligatory prayer and does not give the right to skip it. If fasting (saum) is one of the five pillars of Islam, then namaz (or salat, obligatory prayer in Islam) is the second pillar underlying religious practice. Therefore, prayer while ignoring prayer is considered unacceptable.

In the holy month, in addition to the obligatory prayers, Muslims also recite the additional night prayer of Tarawih and perform voluntary prayers. Therefore, skipping the obligatory prayer at a time when general worship is intensifying is unacceptable.

All prayers must be performed at a set time. Deliberate postponement without a valid reason is considered a violation. In the case of objective circumstances, such as illness or deterioration of health, prayer should be completed soon after the person remembers or has the opportunity to perform it.

Prohibition of intimate relationships during daylight hours

During Ramadan, intimacy between spouses is completely prohibited during daylight hours — from the beginning of the morning prayer of Fajr to sunset and Maghreb time. This prohibition is considered one of the strictest. He emphasizes the main principle — the conscious limitation of natural needs and the ability to manage their desires.

Moreover, this prohibition is not aimed at limiting marital life as such. Intimate relationships are fully permitted at night — after sunset and before dawn. Thus, Ramadan does not cancel marital intimacy, but only regulates it for the period of fasting.

Conscious sexual intercourse during the daytime is considered a serious violation. In addition, believers are forbidden to look at other men and women. According to the Quran, they are instructed to "lower their gazes." It's not about a casual glance, but about prolonged staring with sexual overtones.

Such actions not only cancel the fast for a particular day, but also require its mandatory completion after the end of Ramadan. In some cases, it is necessary to make atonement — to endure a continuous 60-day fast (kaffarat) or to feed breakfast and dinner to 60 people in need.

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What else is not allowed to do in Ramadan

In addition to the most common situations, a number of actions that violate the principle of abstinence and self-discipline are prohibited. This includes smoking cigarettes, hookah, and electronic devices during the daytime. Even if smoking is a long-term habit, from the point of view of religious norms it is a violation.

As for alcohol, narcotic or intoxicating substances, they are prohibited in Islam at any time of the year. Their use is unacceptable regardless of the fast. Chewing gum is also prohibited because it contains sweeteners, flavors, and food additives that enter the body.

It happens that during fasting people feel hungry, get full, and then cause vomiting. Deliberately provoking a gag reflex during the daytime invalidates fasting and requires it to be replenished.

What actions do not violate the Ramadan fast?

Despite the strictness of the rules, some actions are considered acceptable during the fast. First of all, they relate to household and medical issues. For example, if a believer mistakenly drank water or ate something, and then came to his senses and immediately stopped, his fast remains valid. In this case, no atonement is required.

Hygienic procedures such as bathing, showering and washing are also allowed, but only if a person makes sure that water does not get inside. Many theologians recommend being careful when handling water, including when brushing your teeth. Water should not be swallowed. Swallowing saliva does not break the fast, as it is a natural process.

Some medical procedures are also allowed. Injections that have no nutritional value and injections of painkillers are acceptable. It is allowed to use ear and eye drops. But it is not recommended to drink cough syrup, like any other solutions, during daylight hours. Medications should be taken after sunset and before sunrise, except in cases where medication is vital.

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