Can you drink water during Ramadan?
Answered with evidence from the Quran and authentic Hadith
Quick Answer
No. During fasting hours (from dawn to sunset), Muslims abstain from all food and drink, including water. You can eat and drink before dawn (suhoor) and after sunset (iftar).
Detailed Answer
During the fasting hours of Ramadan — from the break of dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) — Muslims abstain from all food, drink (including water), and intimate relations. This is one of the fundamental aspects of the fast.
However, you are encouraged to eat and drink before dawn (this meal is called suhoor) and you break your fast at sunset (this meal is called iftar). The Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended delaying suhoor to just before Fajr and hastening to break the fast right at Maghrib.
Exceptions exist for those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, or menstruating. They may break their fast and make it up later or, if unable, feed a poor person for each day missed.
Evidence from Quran & Hadith
وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ ۖ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّوا الصِّيَامَ إِلَى اللَّيْلِ
Wa kuloo washraboo hatta yatabayyana lakumul-khaytul-abyadu minal-khaytil-aswadi minal-fajr. Thumma atimmus-Siyama ilal-layl.
“Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread. Then complete the fast until the night.”
Key Points
- ✦During the fasting hours of Ramadan — from the break of dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) — Muslims abstain from all food, drink (including water), and intimate relations.
- ✦However, you are encouraged to eat and drink before dawn (this meal is called suhoor) and you break your fast at sunset (this meal is called iftar).
- ✦Exceptions exist for those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, or menstruating.
Related Questions
What breaks your fast in Islam?
Your fast is broken by: eating or drinking intentionally, smoking, intimate relations, intentional vomiting, and menstruation. Accidentally eating/drinking, swallowing saliva, using a miswak, or getting an injection does NOT break your fast.
Can you fast while pregnant or breastfeeding?
If fasting would harm the mother or baby, she is permitted to break her fast and make up the days later. Most scholars agree that the health of the mother and child takes priority, and a pregnant or breastfeeding woman should consult her doctor.
I accidentally ate while fasting — is my fast broken?
No. If you genuinely forgot you were fasting and ate or drank, your fast is still valid. Simply stop eating as soon as you remember and continue your fast. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said Allah fed you and gave you drink.
Do you have to fast if you are traveling?
No. Travelers are given a concession to break their fast and make up the days later. However, if fasting is easy for you while traveling, you may choose to fast. The Companions of the Prophet did both — some fasted while traveling and some did not.
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Note: This answer is based on the Quran and authentic Hadith for general guidance. For detailed rulings on your specific situation, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar. May Allah guide us all to the truth.