Food & Drink Questions During Ramadan (Pure List)
Scholar Verified
Written by: M. Hamza
Researcher: Ayesha Rahman
Reviewed by: Omar Abdullah
Last Review: 9 September 2026
Our Ramadan information is carefully examined by a qualified Islamic reviewer to help ensure that religious details, references, and guidance are presented accurately and responsibly.
1. What time do I stop eating and drinking in the morning?
You must stop eating and drinking at the break of dawn, which is the time of the Fajr (morning) prayer. It is recommended to stop a few minutes before the actual call to prayer to be safe.
2. What time can I eat and drink again?
You can eat and drink immediately after sunset, at the time of the Maghrib (evening) prayer. This is called Iftar (breaking the fast).
3. Can I eat or drink anything between dawn and sunset?
No. During the daylight hours, you must completely abstain from all food and drink, including water.
4. What is Suhoor and why is it important?
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins. It is highly recommended (a Sunnah). Eating Suhoor gives you energy and hydration to help you get through the long day of fasting.
5. What is Iftar and how should I break my fast?
Iftar is the evening meal at sunset that breaks the fast. Following the Prophet Muhammad's example, it is recommended to break the fast by eating dates and drinking water first, before having a full meal.
6. What should I eat for Suhoor to stay full longer?
Choose foods that release energy slowly:
- Complex carbs: oats, whole grain bread, brown rice.
- Protein: eggs, yogurt, cheese, lean meats.
- Fruits and vegetables: for fiber and vitamins.
- Drink plenty of water.
7. What foods should I avoid during Ramadan?
Avoid or limit:
- Salty foods (they make you thirsty).
- Fried and oily foods (they cause sluggishness).
- Sugary drinks and sweets (they cause a sugar crash).
- Caffeine (tea/coffee) as it dehydrates you.
8. Can I drink water while fasting?
No. Water is a drink, and drinking it during the day breaks the fast.
9. Can I chew gum while fasting?
No. Chewing gum is not allowed because it often contains flavor or sweeteners that dissolve and enter the throat, and it mimics eating.
10. Can I swallow my own saliva?
Yes. Swallowing your natural saliva is completely fine and does not break the fast.
You do not need to spit repeatedly or worry about natural saliva. This is part of normal daily life and does not affect the validity of your fast.
11. Can I taste food while cooking and spit it out?
It is disliked to do this without a good reason, but it does not break the fast as long as nothing goes down your throat. If even a tiny bit accidentally slips in, it breaks the fast.
12. What breaks the fast related to food and drink?
The fast is broken when anything enters your stomach through your mouth or throat, including:
- Eating any food (even a crumb).
- Drinking any liquid (even a drop of water).
- Swallowing a solid object (like a pill).
- Smoking (as it enters the throat).
13. What if I eat or drink by accident because I forgot I was fasting?
If you genuinely forget and eat or drink, your fast is still valid. As soon as you remember, you must stop immediately and continue fasting. You do not need to make it up later.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever forgets while he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink.”
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
14. What if I eat or drink intentionally without a valid reason?
This is a major sin. Your fast is broken, and you must:
- Repent sincerely.
- Make up that day by fasting later (Qada).
- In some cases, also perform a heavy Kaffarah (fast 60 days straight or feed 60 poor people).
15. Can I swallow food stuck between my teeth?
If you swallow food that was already stuck in your teeth from before dawn, it does not break the fast because it was already there. However, try to clean your teeth well at Suhoor.
16. Can I drink coffee or tea during Suhoor?
It is better to avoid caffeine because it dehydrates you and can cause headaches during the day. If you do drink it, drink plenty of water alongside it.
17. Is it okay to overeat at Iftar?
No. Overeating goes against the spirit of Ramadan. The Prophet advised eating in moderation—one-third food, one-third drink, and one-third air.
18. Why do Muslims break their fast with dates?
Dates are the traditional food of the Prophet Muhammad. They are naturally rich in sugar, potassium, and fiber, giving the body an instant energy boost and helping with rehydration.
19. How much water should I drink during the night?
Health experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water between Iftar and Suhoor to stay properly hydrated throughout the fasting day.
20. Can I eat sweets and desserts during Ramadan?
Yes, but in moderation. Too much sugar can cause a sugar crash and make you feel tired and hungry later. It's better to enjoy them in small amounts.
21. Does Drinking Water Break the Fast?
Yes. Deliberately drinking water during fasting hours breaks the fast. This includes drinking after Fajr and before Maghrib.
22. Does Brushing Teeth Break the Fast?
Brushing your teeth does not break the fast if you do not swallow toothpaste, water, or food particles.
23. Does Vomiting Break the Fast?
Vomiting unintentionally does not break the fast. However, deliberately making yourself vomit breaks the fast according to many scholars.
24. Can You Use Lip Balm While Fasting?
Yes. Lip balm does not usually break the fast if you apply it externally and do not swallow any of it.
Choose an unflavoured balm where possible and avoid licking your lips after applying it.
25. Does Smelling Food Break the Fast?
No. Smelling food while cooking or being near food does not break the fast.
However, do not intentionally inhale smoke, vapour, or powder from food or drinks.
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