New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Fasting during Ramadan

I can explain how and why Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan.

New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Fasting during Ramadan

I can explain how and why Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan is known as 'sawm'.
  2. The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
  3. Fasting involves abstaining from food and drink between sunrise and sunset.
  4. The Night of Power is when the first revelations of the Qur'an came to Muhammad in the cave of Hira.
  5. Sawm can have a great impact on the life of a Muslim as an act of discipline.

Keywords

  • Fasting - not doing certain actions such as eating or drinking

  • Iftar - a meal in the evenings, which is the breaking of the fast for that day during the month of Ramadan

  • Night of Power - the night that the first revelation of the Qur'an came to the Prophet Muhammad

  • Ramadan - the month when Muslims take part in an obligatory fast

Common misconception

All Muslims must fast without exceptions or exemptions.

Those who are ill, elderly, younger than puberty, pregnant, breastfeeding, menstruating, and travelling do not have to fast. Missed fasting days can be made up after the month of Ramadan and/or donations made to charity in their place if needed.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Fasting during Ramadan, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Students can research how different Muslim sports personalities manage their fasting obligations. Some may choose to break their fasts during competitions and on games days and make up that fast later, or make a charitable donation, while others may not.
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Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In Shi’a Islam, there is a 20% tax on surplus income that is paid for religious and charitable purposes, known as .
Correct Answer: khums, Khums
Q2.
What is the main purpose of zakah in Islam?
to support the Hajj pilgrimage
Correct answer: to help those in need
to build new mosques
Q3.
Why is giving to charity important in Islam?
it brings fame and respect
it pleases family members
Correct answer: it is a religious duty and act of worship
Q4.
What is a difference between zakah and khums?
zakah is only for the poor
khums is paid only by Sunni Muslims
Correct answer: khums is 20%, zakah is 2.5%
Q5.
How might paying zakah influence a Muslim today?
Correct answer: it reminds them of their duty to help others
it encourages selfish spending
it allows them to avoid prayer
Q6.
Which of the following statements about zakah and khums is true?
Zakah and khums are voluntary donations to charity.
Correct answer: Zakah is obligatory for Sunni Muslims; both are obligatory for Shi’a Muslims.
Khums is optional and zakah is only given during Ramadan.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during the of Ramadan, which commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an.
Correct Answer: month, Month
Q2.
What is the meaning of the term 'sawm' in Islam?
giving to the poor
performing daily prayers
Correct answer: fasting during Ramadan
Q3.
What do Muslims call the evening meal used to end each day’s fast during Ramadan?
Correct answer: iftar
zakah
suhoor
Q4.
What is the Night of Power?
a nightly celebration at the end of Ramadan
the night when the Prophet was born
Correct answer: the night when the Qur’an was first revealed
Q5.
Why does the date of Ramadan shift each year in the Gregorian calendar?
Correct answer: it’s determined by the lunar calendar
it’s based on a solar calendar
it always starts on the same day
Q6.
Which statement best explains who is required to fast during Ramadan?
all Muslims, regardless of health or age
Correct answer: only adults with no health issues
only men over the age of 18

Additional material

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