Fasting is one of the four rituals of Submission alongside the Contact Prayers, the Obligatory Charity, and the Pilgrimage. Every year, during the famous month of Ramadan, the submitters should fast from dawn until sunset. During the full month, from dawn until sunset it is not permitted for those who fast to eat, to drink or to have sexual intercourses. The ill people and those who are travelling should not fast and compensate later with the same number of days fasted or with charity to the poor, if he or she can not fast at all due to long term incapability. The date of the month of Ramadan changes by around 11 days each year compared to a solar year. This means that the month of Ramadan can happen in summer, then in spring, then in winter then in fall over the years. Fasting is also a way to purify from some sins (2:196; 4:92).
Fasting details from the Quran:
[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.
[2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew.
[2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. God wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify God for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.
[2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided.
[2:187] Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. God knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what God has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are God’s laws; you shall not transgress them. God thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation.
Learn more about fasting:
Fasting in the Extreme North and South
By: Guillaume Guy