Ramadan 2026: Support to Stay Tobacco-Free While Fasting

Ramadan is a special time for reflection, self-discipline and positive change. For many Muslims, it is also a time to step away from habits that affect health and wellbeing - including tobacco use.

At Yorkshire Smokefree, we understand that fasting during Ramadan can be challenging for people who smoke or use other tobacco products such as shisha, paan, gutkha, khaini, zarda or other smokeless tobacco. That’s why our free NHS stop smoking service offers tailored support to help you avoid tobacco while fasting - and beyond.

Tobacco and fasting

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Suhoor) until sunset (Iftar). This means avoiding all forms of tobacco during fasting hours. For people who regularly smoke or use chewing tobacco, this can lead to cravings, irritability, headaches and low energy - especially in the first few days.

The good news is that fasting already creates long breaks without tobacco, which can be a powerful starting point for quitting completely.

How Yorkshire Smokefree can help

Our service is:

• Free and confidential
• Delivered by trained NHS advisors
• Open to anyone living or working in Barnsley, Calderdale, Doncaster, Sheffield and Wakefield
• Supportive of cultural and religious needs during Ramadan

We can help you with:

• Advice on managing cravings while fasting
• Access to nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) to use outside fasting hours
• One-to-one support and encouragement
• A plan to stay tobacco-free after Ramadan, if you choose
• Tips to avoid tobacco during Ramadan

Here are some simple, practical tips that many people find helpful:

• Delay and distract when cravings hit - take a short walk, read, or focus on prayer
• Avoid triggers after Iftar, such as social settings where tobacco is used
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals at Suhoor and Iftar
• Use NRT correctly outside fasting hours to reduce cravings the next day
• Ask for support - you don’t have to do this alone

Support that lasts beyond Ramadan

Whether you want to stay tobacco-free just during Ramadan or quit for good, Yorkshire Smokefree is here to support you. Many people find that the discipline of Ramadan gives them the confidence to make lasting changes.

If you’re fasting this Ramadan and want help avoiding tobacco, book a call with a Yorkshire Smokefree stop smoking advisor today - free NHS support, whenever you’re ready.