10 Things Forbidden for Muslims During Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred time of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. It is a period of heightened spirituality, discipline, and devotion to Allah. The spiritual exercise, known as Sawm, extends from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) and serves as both a spiritual and physical purification.The Quran explicitly commands fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183): “O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain piety.”

Like many other religions across the globe who observes the spiritual exercise of abstinence from food and drinks, Islam also has certain actions that are strictly forbidden as they could render the fast irrelevant or diminish its spiritual rewards. This piece is set to explore ten things forbidden for Muslims during Ramadan, along with their significance and Quranic references.

Eating and Drinking During Fasting Hours

Fasting requires complete abstinence from food and drink from dawn until sunset. This cultivates self-discipline and gratitude by reminding Muslims of the blessings they often take for granted. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187) it says “And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset.” Muslims break their fast at sunset with the Iftar meal and begin fasting again at Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal.

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Engaging in Sexual Relations

Sexual or physical intimacy between spouses is forbidden during fasting hours as it contradicts the state of devotion and self-restraint required in Ramadan. However, intimacy is allowed at night, after breaking the fast. Again in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187) it says “It has been made permissible for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them…” This restriction fosters spiritual discipline and helps Muslims focus on worship rather than worldly desires and passions.

Lying and Deception

Now, this is part I feel could be difficult to maintain while observing the Ramadan fast, due to the fact that it has become a normal routine in the lives of many people regarded as followers of Islam. Similar to most religions, Islam frowns at those who bear false witness or engaged in acts considered as deception. Honesty is a core principle in Islam, and lying contradicts the spirit of Ramadan. A fast is not merely physical abstinence but also an exercise in moral righteousness. In the Hadith Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” (Bukhari, 1903). This shows that fasting is ineffective if accompanied by dishonest behavior.

Gossiping and Backbiting

Following closely to the offense of lying and deception is speaking ill of others. This reduces the rewards of fasting from Allah. Ramadan is not just about declaring a break from foods, drinks and pleasurable companies, it is a period meant specifically to purify the soul, and slander or negative speech contradicts that goal. A reference in the Quran; Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12) declares “Do not backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it!” Gossiping is likened to consuming the flesh of a dead person, emphasizing its gravity in Islam.

Swearing and Using Offensive Language

Cursing, insulting, or using foul language negates not only the benefits of fasting but also observing the principles and the beliefs that accompanies this spiritual exercise. Ramadan is a time for spiritual refinement and positive speech. A reference of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the Hadith says “When any of you is fasting, let him not utter evil or ignorant speech. If someone insults him or fights with him, let him say, ‘I am fasting.'” (Bukhari, 1894). This teaches patience, restraint, and dignity in communication.

Arguing and Fighting

Fasting fosters peace and self-control. Arguments and physical fights contradict the essence of Ramadan, which encourages reconciliation and kindness. A Quranic reference that supports the abstinence from physical altercation and brawls could be found in the Surah Al-Furqan (25:63) which says “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.” The observation of the fast in Ramadan extends beyond patience from physical pleasure like foods, but includes emotional discipline.

Smoking or Drug Use

Like many other religions across the globe, Islam critically forbids the consumption of harmful substances, including cigarettes, shisha, or drugs with little or no medical benefits. Most especially in the Ramadan period, engaging in all these harmful substances is forbidden during fasting hours. While the Quran did not implicitly forbids consumption of harmful substances, several instances and references explicitly condemns the act as smoking also contradicts Islamic teachings on preserving health. In the Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), it says “And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” Fasting provides an opportunity for smokers to quit and for individuals to purify their bodies.

Listening to or Watching Immoral Content

Ramadan is a time where followers of the teachings of Islam should be concerned with nourishing their soul with good deeds. Watching inappropriate content (such as explicit media) or engaging in unproductive entertainment is a distraction from the purpose of fasting. Surah Al-Nur (24:30-31) in the Quran explicitly and implicitly warns against such acts “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity… And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity.” Avoiding distractions allows believers to focus on prayer, recitation of the Quran, and personal growth.

Overeating Food at Iftar

Ramadan teaches moderation and contentment. Due to the fact that adherents of the Islamic faith usually observed their fast for approximately 14 hours in a day, thereby resulting in loss of supplements that stimulates the body system to function properly, many Muslims have viewed Iftar as a period to consume foods and drinks that could replenish the time they have lost to not eating. Excessive eating after sunset defeats the purpose of fasting, which includes self-restraint and gratitude. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in Hadith, “The son of Adam fills no vessel worse than his stomach. A few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep a person’s back straight.” (Tirmidhi, 2380). Practicing balance in eating ensures that fasting remains a spiritual and not just a physical exercise.

Neglecting Prayer and Worship

Ramadan is not just about declaring a break from foods and drinks, rather it is a time for increased worship, charity, sobriety, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Refusal to observe obligatory prayers (Salat) or failing to engage in Tarawih (night prayers) reduces the spiritual benefits of the month. The Quran in Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1-2) says “Successful indeed are the believers—those who humbly perform their prayers.” Prayer enhances the rewards of fasting and strengthens a Muslim’s connection with Allah.

Conclusion

Ramadan is a sacred journey of self-discipline, spiritual cleansing, and deep reflection. The ten prohibitions discussed are not merely rules but a means of achieving taqwa (a higher form of consciousness that could be likened to the consciousness of God). By avoiding these forbidden acts, Muslims maximize the rewards of fasting and draw closer to Allah.

The Quran beautifully summarizes the essence of fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186): “And when My servants ask you about Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the supplication of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”

Ramadan is a reminder of Allah’s mercy and an opportunity for renewal. By observing the fast correctly, both physically and spiritually, Muslims embark on a transformative journey that extends beyond the holy month.

Note: All English translations of the Quran in this piece was retrieved from NobleQuran.com