What are the rulings on fasting in Ramadan?

Fasting (Sawm) in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, established by Quran 2:183: 'O you who have believed, fasting has been decreed upon you as it was decreed upon those before you.'

Who must fast: Every Muslim who is adult (post-puberty), sane, healthy, resident (not traveling), and (for women) free of menstruation/post-natal bleeding.

Who is exempt: Children, the mentally ill, the elderly who cannot fast, the chronically ill, pregnant or nursing women (under conditions), travelers, and women in their monthly cycle. Some must make up missed days; others pay fidya (feeding the poor).

What breaks the fast: Eating, drinking, smoking, intentional vomiting, intimate relations with one's spouse, menstruation. Forgetfully eating or drinking does not break the fast (Sahih Bukhari 1933).

Intention (niyyah): Required before Fajr each day, though many scholars accept a single intention for the whole month.

Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal is highly encouraged (Sahih Bukhari 1923). Iftar should be made promptly at Maghrib, ideally with dates and water.

Qada and Kaffarah: Missed fasts must be made up before the next Ramadan. Intentionally breaking a fast through intimate relations requires expiation (kaffarah): freeing a slave, or fasting 60 consecutive days, or feeding 60 poor people.