Can you drink water during Ramadan? The rules explained
Ramadan officially begun on February 17 in 2026, with Muslims all over the world beginning the month-long process of fasting, prayer and reflection.
Over the course of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims of able body and mind who fast for Ramadan will not be allowed to eat, drink, smoke or have sex from sunrise until the sun sets.
But if you’re not a practicing Muslim, the rules can often raise the question of whether you can or can’t drink water during this time.
Are you allowed to drink water during Ramadan?
No, during the fasting daylight hours, practicing Muslims are not permitted to consume water.
Instead, it’s recommended that anyone fasting drinks as much water as possible in the early morning to ward off thirst during the day. If it happens to be particularly warm, they are advised not to exert themselves or be outside too much, in case they get dehydrated.
Regardless, if you were to willingly eat or drink anything during the day, the fast would be considered invalid.
Why can’t you drink water?
The reason water is abstained from is to remind Muslims of their dependence on the blessings they receive from Allah (SWT), according to UK Islamic Mission. These can easily be taken for granted, so it instils thatHe gives the blessings, and He can take them away.
It also reminds participants to be grateful for what they have and understand what others living in poverty experience every single day.
The fast would also be rendered invalid if you were to have sex or to make yourself vomit during daylight hours as well.
Who is exempt?
However, if you have your period during Ramadan, are a child, pregnant, or are not of sound mind, then you are exempt from the fast. If you have missed some of the fast due to your period, you’re encouraged to make up the time as soon as your period ends.
This time of abstinence is intended to be held in memory of the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, and it’s thought that the tradition started as far back as 1000 years ago.
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On the night that Ramadan ends, which is expected to fall on March 19 this year, Eid al-Fitr celebrations begin in which people pray and feast to mark the end of the fast.
This article was originally published March 9, 2024.
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