Muslims all over the world are observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Many of us will know that it’s a time when people who observe the Islamic faith fast from dawn to sunset.

So far, so simple - but Ramadan is about much more than food and drink. It’s also a time for prayer, charitable acts and reflection.

Unlike other religious holidays, Ramadan doesn’t start and end on the same day each year. That’s because the Islamic calendar follows the cycle of the moon.

Millions of posts are being shared about Ramadan on social media and as with any topic, the more people are talking about something, the more likely it is that you’ll see misinformation being shared.

BBC Bitesize Other Side of the Story spoke to Ibrahim Syed from the Wirral Deen Centre in Birkenhead, Wirral to find out more about the Ramadan myths he's heard. It’s important to say that many can be open to interpretation, depending on different schools of thought.

Claim 1: It's only about food and drink

Ramadan isn’t just about abstaining from food and drink. It’s a time for good deeds and giving up bad habits. Aside from fasting, that means Muslims observing Ramadan may also spend more time with family or helping people in need.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) says of fasting: “In Ramadan, fasting goes beyond refraining from food and drink; it serves as a chance for Muslims to refine their character.”

Mr Syed says: “You’re learning about self-control so you can be a better version of yourself.

“It’s also about self-discipline and things that take you off track you shouldn’t do - like you shouldn’t back-bite anyway but you should be focusing on drawing closer to God.”

Claim 2: You can’t exercise during Ramadan

People observing Ramadan can exercise - but as Mr Syed points out, fasting means you may not feel able to or want to.

He said: “I usually freeze my gym membership during Ramadan but this year I didn’t. We did train a little bit during half term but after that we haven’t really trained at all, we’ve been swimming but not weight training because it’s hard to do that in Ramadan.

“You can do it if you want, if you feel like you’ve got the energy. If kids participating in PE feel they can, they should.

“So you’re not prohibited from exercise but you might not want to do it because you might not feel like it.”

The MCB suggests light physical activity during non-fasting hours, with gentle activities like walking or stretching.

Claim 3: You're not allowed to brush your teeth

The importance of looking after your teeth and gums is something everyone can agree on. Islamic teachings greatly emphasise personal hygiene at all times.

During Ramadan, for many people it’s easiest to brush their teeth after suhoor - the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins - and again after iftar - the meal eaten to break the fast. This means they don’t have to worry about accidentally swallowing water or toothpaste. So what about brushing your teeth while you’re fasting?

Mr Syed says: “It’s never black and white and people will follow different opinions. I think it’s from people not understanding the purpose of brushing teeth and just because you can taste it. For me and my family, it’s not an issue because brushing your teeth isn’t nourishment.”

Therefore, many Muslims believe you can brush your teeth whilst fasting, as long as you don't deliberately swallow any toothpaste or water.

Claim 4: Everyone has to fast

While fasting during Ramadan is considered obligatory for those who have reached puberty and are able to do so, there are exemptions.

This includes women who are menstruating or pregnant and those who have health concerns due to illness or frailty. The MCB also says it’s important to remember that not all Muslims will fast, as some “may not do so for a variety of reasons”.

If people do fast, it’s important to stay hydrated and opt for high-energy and slow-burning foods for suhoor to keep you going throughout the day.

According to Islamic teachings, health takes priority over most things, so if someone is not well enough to fast, they are not required to fast. Similarly, if someone feels unwell during the middle of fasting, they are allowed to break their fast.

Claim 5: You can't take any medication

Although swallowing tablets and taking cough syrups would break a fast, some things are permitted. The MCB’s Ramadan Health fact sheet, intended for hospital use, says that eye and ear drops and injections - including vaccines - are among the medications that do not break the fast.

People may want to adjust the time they take their medication schedule to align with fasting, but it’s important to check with your doctor first.

When is Eid?

Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast) marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The exact date of Eid al-Fitr is decided by the cycle of the Moon.

How to check your facts online

It can be easy to fall for myths or misinformation about topics like Ramadan, especially when it's a subject that's new or unfamiliar. It’s really important to do your own research - and this applies to any subject you see people talking about on your socials.

Don’t take everything you see at face value. There’s plenty of information about Ramadan out there through reliable sources like trusted news organisations and official organisations representing people who observe the Islamic faith.

This article was published in March 2026

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