There’s more to Ramadan than what meets the eye. The act of fasting goes well beyond the abstinence from food and water. For Muslims, it’s an act of faith and devotion. Every holy month is a moment of reflection.
It’s also a time when giving back takes on a much more important meaning and appreciation for family, food, and life is practiced as a reminder of gratitude.
It might seem challenging but these traditions that have united communities for centuries have been made simple through wisdom-steeped guidance drawn from Quran and Hadith.
But while imsak and iftar times are clear across the globe, there are more than a few myths surrounding fasting, and we’re here to debunk them.
These are seven Ramdan myths that we need to cancel:
You can’t brush your teeth
As long as you don’t swallow any water, you won’t break your fast.
If you accidently eat or drink then your fast is broken
If not done on purpose, you can simply continue fasting.
If you forget to say your intention the night before, your fast is void
It’s important to make intention (especially on the night before the first day of Ramadan), but forgetting doesn’t break fast.
You can’t take medicine
Medications that don’t involve swallowing like eye drops, ear drops or injections do not break the fast.
You have to fast no matter what
There are a lot of special conditions where fasting isn’t mandatory: for kids, elderlies who are unable to, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, travelers…
You cannot taste the food you’re cooking
It’s allowed to taste on the tip of your tongue, making sure you don’t swallow any.
You can’t wear makeup and perfume
These are what we call makroohat, it’s advised not to use them but it doesn’t break your fast.
