During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, one of the holiest months, Muslims with healthy bodies and minds who fast for Ramadan are not allowed to eat, drink, smoke or have sex from sunrise to sunset.

For non-practitioners, the question often arises: what about water?

Can you drink water during Ramadan?

No, practicing Muslims are not allowed to drink water during daylight fasting.

Instead, every fasting person is advised to drink as much water as possible in the morning to quench thirst during the day.

If you voluntarily eat or drink anything during the day, the fast is considered invalid.

Muslims pray in a mosque (Image: AFP PHOTO / Vasily MAXIMOV/AFP/Getty Images)

The fast is also invalidated if you also had sex during the day or made yourself vomit.

However, if you have your period during Ramadan, are a child or are not in your right mind, then you are exempt from fasting. If you missed part of the fast because of your period, you are encouraged to make up the time once your period is over.

This period of abstinence is said to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad, and the tradition is said to have begun as far back as 1,000 years ago.

The night Ramadan ends, which falls on June 4 this year, Eid al-Fitr celebrations begin, with people praying and celebrating to mark the end of the fast.