# Rules of Fasting in Ramadan: A Practical Guide > Eating or drinking forgetfully does not break the fast. Learn Ramadan fasting rules for travel, illness, menstruation and missed days. - Canonical: https://muroujacademy.com/the-most-important-rules-of-fasting-that-a-muslim-needs/ - Published: 2023-03-16 - Updated: 2026-10-23 - Author: Murouj Academy - Publisher: Murouj Academy (https://muroujacademy.com/) --- [Hadith](https://muroujacademy.com/category/hadith/) · [Islam](https://muroujacademy.com/category/islam/) March 16, 2023 Updated October 23, 2026 Murouj Academy 4 min read ![Abstract Islamic geometric pattern in rose, plum and gold: an eight-point star set in an orderly square geometric frame.](https://muroujacademy.com/uploads/blog/the-most-important-rules-of-fasting-that-a-muslim-needs.webp) **Ramadan fasting rules cover what affects a fast and who is excused from fasting.** Eating or drinking forgetfully does not break the fast, while intercourse and ejaculation caused by masturbation do. Illness, travel, menstruation and other circumstances affect the duty to fast and what follows a missed day. ## What happens if you eat or drink forgetfully? Eating or drinking because you have forgotten that you are fasting does not invalidate the fast. Stop eating or drinking as soon as you remember, then continue your fast. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: > “Whoever eats out of forgetfulness while fasting, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah Who has fed him and given him to drink.” ## What are the rules for menstruation and postpartum bleeding? Menstruating women do not fast or pray. The Ramadan fasts missed during menstruation must be made up after the month ends. Narrated Abu Sa\`id: > The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Isn’t it true that a woman does not pray and does not fast on menstruating? And that is the defect (a loss) in her religion.” Women with postpartum bleeding also do not fast; they make up missed fasts after that bleeding ends. Menstrual and postpartum bleeding need to be distinguished from other bleeding when considering the validity of a fast and making up missed days. For more on this topic, read the guide to [women’s fasting in Ramadan](https://muroujacademy.com/rules-of-womens-fasting-in-ramadan/). ## Can a traveler break the fast during Ramadan? A traveler may break the fast without sin and may be rewarded for accepting this concession. A traveler who is able to fast may do so. The Prophet, peace be upon him, encouraged accepting the ease Allah has allowed when travel may bring hardship. Jabir said that in the course of a journey God’s messenger saw a crowd and a man who had been put in the shade. On asking the reason and being told that he was fasting he said, “Fasting while on a journey is not a part of righteousness.” ## What if illness, age, pregnancy or breastfeeding affects fasting? A sick or elderly person who may be harmed by fasting is excused. Whether they make up missed fasts or feed a poor person depends on the reason they cannot fast. | Circumstance | What follows a missed fast? | | --- | --- | | Illness with no hope of recovery, or inability to fast because of old age | Feed a poor person for each missed day, with the average food the person usually eats. | | Illness where recovery is expected | Make up missed fasts when the reason for not fasting has ended. | | Pregnancy or breastfeeding, when not fasting on a doctor's advice or because of fear for oneself or one's child | Make up missed fasts when the reason for not fasting has ended. | ## Does intercourse invalidate the fast? Intercourse invalidates the fast, as does ejaculation caused by masturbation. Someone who has intercourse with his wife while fasting during Ramadan must repent to Allah and offer expiation. Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr (may Allah have mercy on him) said: > I do not know of any (scholar) who granted a concession allowing the fasting person to kiss (his wife) except he stipulated that he should be certain that he is safe from what that leads to; the one who knows that it will lead to that which will invalidate his fast must avoid it. > > End quote from al-Istidhkaar, 3/296. For questions about expiation in your circumstances, seek clarification from a qualified scholar. ## How can families learn the basics of fasting? Start by understanding the rules that apply to your circumstances, including what affects a fast and what to do about missed days. For wider reading, explore [the rules of Islam](https://muroujacademy.com/rules-of-islam/) and [the best acts of worship in Ramadan](https://muroujacademy.com/the-best-acts-of-worship-in-ramadan/). For support with your child's learning, Murouj Academy offers [one-to-one Islamic studies for kids](https://muroujacademy.com/courses/islamic-studies-for-kids/). You can [book a free trial class](https://muroujacademy.com/register-free-trial/) to get started. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can someone else's fast fulfill my obligation? No. Fasting is an individual responsibility, so another person's fast does not fulfill your own duty to fast. ### Can I stop fasting before a planned journey begins? Imam Al-Qurtubi stated that someone planning to travel during Ramadan should not intend to break the fast until the journey actually begins. Something may prevent the planned departure. ### Must missed prayers be made up after menstruation? No. A woman makes up the Ramadan fasts missed during menstruation, but she does not make up the prayers missed during that time. Learn this with a teacher ## Islamic studies Murouj Academy teaches this in live one-to-one online lessons with native Arab teachers, including ijazah holders. You choose your teacher (women and girls learn with female teachers) and can start with a free trial class. [Explore our Islamic studies course](https://muroujacademy.com/courses/islamic-studies-for-kids/) ## Keep reading [Can a Woman Learn Quran From a Male Teacher?](https://muroujacademy.com/can-women-learn-quran-from-a-male-teacher/) [Quran for New Muslims: First Steps to Start Reading](https://muroujacademy.com/quran-for-new-muslims/) [What Does Al-Azhar Certified Mean for a Quran Teacher?](https://muroujacademy.com/what-does-al-azhar-certified-mean/) --- Book a free trial: https://muroujacademy.com/register-free-trial/