A complete guide to Ramadan etiquette for Muslims and non-Muslims. How to conduct yourself during the holy month — from spiritual practices and avoiding common mistakes to being a respectful colleague, friend, or neighbour.
Ramadan Etiquette — Whether You're Fasting or Not
Ramadan changes the rhythm of life for 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Whether you're a Muslim looking to deepen your practice, a non-Muslim wanting to be respectful, or someone new to Islam figuring out the dos and don'ts — this guide covers how to conduct yourself during the holy month.
For Muslims: The Spiritual Etiquette of Fasting
Fasting isn't just about skipping meals. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was very clear about this:
"Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it and ignorance, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink." (Bukhari)
In other words, a fast without good behaviour is just a diet. Here's what the month calls for:
Guard Your Tongue
This is the big one. During Ramadan, you're asked to be especially mindful of:
- No backbiting (gheebah) — Talking about someone behind their back in a way they wouldn't like, even if it's true
- No gossip or spreading rumours
- No lying or deception
- No harsh or vulgar language
- No unnecessary arguments — If someone provokes you, the Sunnah is to say: "I am fasting, I am fasting" and walk away
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If someone insults you or tries to fight you, say: I am fasting." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Increase Your Worship
Ramadan is the month where good deeds carry multiplied rewards. Make the most of it:
- Pray all five daily prayers — ideally on time, and in congregation when possible
- Pray Taraweeh — the special nightly Ramadan prayers at the mosque or at home
- Read Quran daily — even just a few pages. Many aim for the entire Quran in 30 days (one juz per day)
- Make dua (supplication) — especially at iftar time, which is one of the times when dua is most likely accepted
- Give charity generously — feed fasting people, donate to those in need, sponsor iftars
Be Patient and Kind
Ramadan is designed to build your patience. When you're hungry, thirsty, and tired — that's precisely when your character is tested.
- Be extra patient with family, colleagues, and strangers
- Control your anger — this is a month of softness, not aggression
- Forgive people — let go of grudges. The spiritual clean slate of Ramadan is an invitation to wipe your relational slate clean too
- Smile — it's Sunnah, and it costs nothing even when you're running on 4 hours of sleep
Lower Your Gaze and Guard Your Senses
Ramadan isn't just a fast from food. It's a fast of the eyes, ears, and mind too:
- Be mindful of what you watch — limit entertainment that contradicts the spirit of the month
- Be mindful of what you listen to — replace idle background noise with Quran, Islamic lectures, or beneficial podcasts
- Be mindful of what you scroll — social media can drain your spiritual energy faster than anything
Don't Waste the Day Sleeping
A common trap: sleeping through the entire day to avoid feeling hunger and then staying up all night eating and socialising. This defeats the purpose entirely.
- Stay productive — work, study, worship, and engage with life
- A short nap after Dhuhr is fine and even Sunnah, but don't make sleep your fasting strategy
- The discomfort is part of the point — it builds empathy, discipline, and awareness
For Non-Muslims: How to Be Respectful During Ramadan
You don't need to fast to be a good ally during Ramadan. Here's how to be supportive:
You Can Still Eat and Drink Normally
Let's get this out of the way: you do not need to hide your food or feel guilty about eating. Muslims don't expect non-Muslims to fast, and most will tell you to eat your lunch in peace.
That said, there are thoughtful gestures that are appreciated:
- Don't eat directly in front of someone who's fasting if you can easily avoid it — like during a one-on-one conversation. It's not haram for them to see you eat, but it's a kind gesture
- Don't offer food or drinks repeatedly after they've said they're fasting. One offer is polite, repeated offers can be awkward
- Don't say "not even water?" — they've heard it a thousand times. A simple "respect" or "that's impressive" goes further
Be Flexible with Scheduling
If you manage or work with Muslims during Ramadan:
- Morning meetings are better — energy levels are higher earlier in the day
- Avoid scheduling lunch meetings with fasting colleagues when possible
- Be understanding about adjusted hours — some may come in earlier and leave earlier, or need a few minutes for prayer
- Don't schedule team celebrations centered entirely around food during Ramadan without considering your fasting colleagues
Show Interest, Not Interrogation
Most Muslims are happy to explain Ramadan to genuinely curious people. But there's a difference between interest and interrogation:
Great questions:
- "How's Ramadan going for you?"
- "Is there anything I can do to make things easier this month?"
- "I'd love to learn more about it if you're up for sharing"
Less great questions:
- "What happens if you accidentally eat?"
- "Do you lose loads of weight?"
- "Isn't that bad for you?"
- "What if you just... cheated?"
Join an Iftar if Invited
If a Muslim friend or colleague invites you to iftar, go. It's one of the most welcoming and meaningful experiences you can have. You don't need to be Muslim, you don't need to fast, and you don't need to pray. Just show up, share a meal, and enjoy the community.
Many mosques also host open iftars specifically for non-Muslims to experience the tradition. Check if your local mosque does this.
In Muslim-Majority Countries
If you're living in or visiting a Muslim-majority country during Ramadan (Dubai, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Cairo, etc.), the etiquette expectations are higher:
- Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during fasting hours — many countries have laws about this, and it's considered very disrespectful
- Dress more conservatively than you might otherwise
- Reduce loud music in public spaces
- Be aware of adjusted business hours — many shops and restaurants open later, and some are closed until iftar
- Enjoy the night — Ramadan nights in Muslim countries are magical. Markets, food stalls, and social gatherings come alive after sunset
Common Mistakes Muslims Make During Ramadan
Even practising Muslims can fall into habits that undermine the month:
- Overeating at iftar — Stuffing yourself defeats the purpose of the day's restraint. Eat moderately.
- Binge-watching after iftar — You have limited night hours. Prioritise worship over screens.
- Getting angry because you're hungry — Using the fast as an excuse for bad behaviour is the opposite of what Ramadan teaches.
- Neglecting Taraweeh — Even a few rakaat at home is better than skipping entirely.
- Ignoring the last 10 nights — This is where the real spiritual treasure lies. Don't let Ramadan end without fully engaging with the final stretch.
- Making it about food — Spending hours preparing elaborate iftar spreads every night can shift the focus from worship to cuisine.
The Bottom Line
Ramadan is about becoming a better version of yourself — more patient, more grateful, more generous, more God-conscious. Whether you're fasting or not, the month invites everyone to slow down, be more intentional, and treat others with extra kindness.
If you're Muslim: hold yourself to a higher standard this month. Your fast is more than hunger — it's a complete spiritual discipline.
If you're not Muslim: your thoughtfulness and respect during this month means more than you know. A simple "Ramadan Mubarak" can make someone's day.
