As the holy month dawns, unmarried couples face strict spiritual guidelines to maintain the sanctity of their fast.

Ramadan is a period of intense spiritual purification, where the faithful are called to abstain not just from food and water, but from all desires of the flesh. For unmarried couples, this season presents a specific set of challenges and obligations. The rules of engagement change drastically when the crescent moon is sighted, demanding a heightened level of discipline and distance to ensure their fasting remains valid in the eyes of the creator.

The sanctity of the Fast

The primary directive for unmarried couples during Ramadan is the avoidance of fitna (temptation). Islam strictly prohibits premarital intimacy at all times, but during Ramadan, the stakes are exponentially higher. Engaging in any form of physical intimacy, or even placing oneself in a situation that could lead to it, violates the spirit of the month.

Scholars emphasize that "dating" in the modern, Western sense is incompatible with the requirements of the holy month.Couples are advised to minimize unnecessary contact. If communication is necessary, it should be purposeful, devoid of flirtation, and conducted in the open. The "halal dating" loophole often discussed on social media finds no purchase here; the month demands total devotion to God, not to a partner.

• No Private Meetings: The rule of khalwa (seclusion) is strictly enforced. An unmarried man and woman should not be alone together in a closed space.During Ramadan, this extends to digital spaces—late-night video calls or private messaging can be seen as a violation of the spiritual focus required.
• Modesty in All Things: Both parties are expected to observe strict modesty in dress and speech. Conversations should turn away from the romantic and toward the spiritual, focusing on shared goals of prayer, charity, and self-improvement.

A Test of Faith and Discipline

For those intending to marry, Ramadan serves as the ultimate litmus test of character. It is an opportunity to build a relationship based not on physical attraction, but on shared spiritual values. By respecting the boundaries of the month, couples demonstrate their respect for the faith and for each other.

Ultimately, the "rules" are not meant to punish, but to elevate. They are a reminder that in this holy month, the most important relationship is the one between the individual and their Creator.Everything else must wait.