Ramadan began on Friday April 1. For Muslims, this month is marked by a fast, one of the five pillars of Islam with the profession of faith, the pilgrimage to Mecca, prayer and obligatory almsgiving. This practice celebrates the revelation of the Koran to Muhammad during the "night of fate" (Laylat al-Qadr), a major event in Islam. For 30 days, Muslims must therefore deprive themselves of food from sunrise to sunset.

But this is not the only restriction imposed on practitioners during this period. They are also forbidden to smoke, drink or have sexual relations between the first prayer before dawn and the fourth of the day. It is a question of doing penance, of forgiving but also of favoring a form of asceticism and reflection.

Drinking is prohibited

During the entire month of fasting, nothing should be swallowed - apart from one's own saliva - by Muslims during the day, not even water. On the other hand, it is possible to brush your teeth, taking care not to swallow water. Not to be tempted, a small stick of siwak (a root of the Salvadora persica shrub) can be used instead of the traditional toothbrush. Muslims can nevertheless take showers and go to the swimming pool, while carefully avoiding swallowing water.

Smoking and alcohol are prohibited

Although some Muslims smoke, this practice is prohibited during the fast and blameworthy during the rest of the year. The same is true for drug use.

As for alcohol, designated in the Koran by the generic term "wine", it is considered an illicit food all year round. The only situations in which it is tolerated is when drunk out of ignorance, forgetfulness or under duress. However, many Muslims stop using it 40 days before Ramadan.

Sexual relations are prohibited

During the month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to have sex during the day. It is even forbidden to voluntarily provoke an ejaculation. On the other hand, if it occurs during sleep or without voluntary stimulation, it is excusable.

But if practitioners have sex during the day, they not only have to do an extra day of fasting, because their day is wasted, but they also have to atone for their fault. Originally, it was necessary to free a slave, to fast for two consecutive months or to provide food for 60 poor people.

Obscene language is prohibited

These 30 days are meant for doing good deeds and strengthening ties with loved ones. The fact of uttering insults or lying therefore cancels a day of fasting. If a practitioner is provoked, he is advised not to overbid but to respond that he is fasting.

Intentional vomiting is prohibited

If you cannot get anything into your stomach during the day, it is also forbidden to make yourself vomit. On the other hand, if an illness causes vomiting, then the fast is not broken and Ramadan can continue. Otherwise, the Muslim must make up for this lost day by fasting on another day.

Makeup is prohibited

Wearing blush, creams and other powders does not cancel the fasting day itself. However, it is strongly discouraged. Moreover, the use of kohl is authorized by certain precepts. As for perfumes, they are not prohibited but it is advisable to choose them without alcohol.

Other permitted practices

Alongside these prohibitions, certain practices are received ideas. For example, nail biting is allowed, mothers can breastfeed, and practitioners can swallow their saliva.

Some people are also exempt from fasting, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly or sick, or even pre-teens. If women who menstruate during this period cannot follow Ramadan, they will have to fast at a later period to "catch up".