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Why do Muslims fast under Ramadan – and who really has to fast?
How long does fast last in Sweden and what happens if you happen to break it?
Here are the answers to five common questions about the fasting month.
All of Sweden Bakar-Malahat about Ramadan
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What is Ramadan and why are Muslims fasting?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the pillars to practice Islam.
During this month, it refrains from, among other things, food, drink and intercourse – from dawn to sunset.
The main purpose of fasting is to increase in religious obedience, thus becoming better at submitting God, and self -restraint. By refraining from what is otherwise allowed, such as food and drink, the Muslim trains on self -discipline and obedience to God, which can make it easier to avoid the unauthorized after Ramadan.
Over the month, great emphasis is placed on prayer, charity, forgiveness, spiritual reflection, Qur’anic reading and personal development.
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The full -screen month focuses on prayer, charity, forgiveness, devotion, Qur’anic reading and personal development. Photo: Getty Images
Do all Muslims have to fixed or are there exceptions?
Fasting is a mandatory religious duty for all healthy Muslims who have reached puberty and is at the full use of their minds. Exceptions apply, for example, in illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding or menstruation.
Examples of days when no Muslim gets fixed are the EID days that are for joy and celebration.
How long do you fast – and how does it break?
The length of fasting depends on where in the world you are. As Sweden is far north, the sun goes down later than in many other countries in spring and summer. Therefore, fasting in Sweden becomes longer during these seasons and can vary from just over 10 to 20 hours.
Fasting is broken at sunset, often with a date and a glass of water – a tradition that goes back to Prophet Muhammad. After that, it is time for a prayer, followed by a meal, iftar, who is happy to be shared with family and friends.
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The full screen is broken with a dadel and a glass of water. Photo: Getty Images
When does Ramadan fall and why does the date change each year?
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar orbit around the earth, which separates it from the Gregorian calendar – which is instead based on the earth’s cycle around the sun. Therefore, Ramadan is displaced about ten days back each year according to the Gregorian era.
Just like the other months in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan begins at the new moon observation and ends when next month begins. If the moon’s phase cannot be determined, the standard rule is used where the month lasts for 30 days – when no month in the Islamic calendar can be longer than that.
2025 Ramadan falls on February 28.
What happens if you accidentally break fast?
If fasting is broken by mistake – without intention – it does not need to be taken again at a later date. Instead, you continue to fasten for the rest of the day as usual.