thumb|right|[[Iftar, a meal consumed to break fast. It is a sunnah to break fast with dates.]]
In Islam, fasting (called in , or ) is the practice of abstaining from food, drink, sexual activity, and anything that substitutes food and drink. During the holy month of Ramadan, fasting is observed between dawn and sunset when the prayer call of the dawn prayer and the sunset prayer is called. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar and fasting is a requirement for able Muslims as it is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam.
Fasting during Ramadan is a way for Muslims to develop self-control, piety, and compassion for those in need. The fast is observed every day of Ramadan unless a person falls under exemptions such as illness, travel, pregnancy, or other health conditions.
Origins
Religious fasting is not a uniquely Muslim practice; it has been practiced for centuries by religions such as Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Taoism, among others. It is stated in the Quran that Allah says: