# Fasting Ramadan for New Muslims 🌙 `Make sure to read everything` The fourth pillar of Islam, fasting in Ramadan, is an act of worship that involves abstaining from all food, drink, sexual activity, and anything else that would break the fast from dawn (the time of the Fajr prayer) until sunset (the time of the Maghrib prayer). Ramadan month is approaching soon (around a week) and it is compulsory* to fast. Refer to your local mosques to determine the exact start date. This is how they determine when Ramadan begins: [Determining Ramadan Start Date](https://islamqa.info/en/110350) ## Preparing for Ramadan Here are some resources to learn more and prepare: - 📖 Ramadan Introduction: (Read from page 140) New Muslim Guide Book [Click Here](https://bit.ly/new-muslim-guide-book). > This book offers a guide to fasting Ramadan, covering its virtues, what breaks the fast, exemptions for certain individuals. It also outlines the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, including prayers, charity, and spreading joy. More: - 📖 How to Prepare for Ramadan: [Video](https://youtu.be/0H6tOVtA6xM) - 📖 What Are the Sunnahs of Fasting? [Article](https://islamqa.info/en/222064) - 📖 10 Tips on Preparing for Ramadan: [Article](https://islamqa.info/en/92748) - 📖 Is Fasting Compulsory*? [Article](https://islamqa.info/en/26814) - 📖 13 Virtues of Ramadan [Article](https://islamqa.info/en/13480) - 📖 Important Questions / Special Cases You may encounter / Read All the Titles of the Videos in the Playlist First: [Playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD97E873F6327D25F) Ramadan File: * This page includes many helpful selected articles: [Ramadan File](https://islamqa.info/en/ramadan) ## Important for Women 🧕 * [Dos and Don'ts during Menstruation](https://islamqa.info/en/70438) - check fasting related sections. * [Should You Continue Fasting If You Get Your Period Just Before Sunset?](https://islamqa.info/en/50282)