Iranians decry intensified Ramadan enforcement amid economic hardships

Iranians are voicing renewed criticism over the strict enforcement of Ramadan regulations—which ban public eating and drinking—reinforced by authorities’ threats of harsh punishment.

In voice messages shared with Iran International over the past week, numerous citizens remarked that these restrictions—including shutting down eateries that fail to observe Ramadan rules—are being enforced more strictly than in previous years.

Referring to the soaring prices of food and other commodities, one of the recorded messages said, “The economy is getting worse by the day, but this month the dose [of pressure] has increased more than ever.”

In one message, a citizen reported that the police confiscated his driver’s license and impounded his car after catching him smoking inside it, while a young conscript noted that soldiers are prohibited from bringing food into the barracks.

Additional messages also described stricter enforcement in schools.

46 years of Ramadan regulations

Since its inception, the Islamic Republic has consistently enforced a ban on public eating and drinking during Ramadan—a holy month of fasting for Muslims—requiring eateries to remain closed during fasting hours.

The state refers to violators as engaging in “making a show of not fasting,” a term coined to describe those who publicly disregard fasting regulations.

In April 2024, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed reports of increased violations in Tehran and some other cities in a speech, stating that while the government does not seek to force piety, it must uphold religious norms. He urged authorities and citizens alike to prevent public non-compliance.

Every Ramadan, hundreds of individuals are arrested and thousands of businesses face temporary closures for violating these rules. Non-Muslim Iranians and foreign visitors are also required to comply, though there are exceptions. For instance, hospital patients are excused, although medical staff are expected to follow the rules.

While the number of Iranians who voluntarily fast remains unclear, many—including civil servants and factory workers—feel compelled to appear compliant, fearing repercussions or the possibility of “offending” those who do observe the fast.

In recent years, discontent has notably grown among segments of the population who view these restrictions as oppressive. Similar to the defiance of hijab mandates, some now see openly defying Ramadan rules as a political act.

Crackdown in schools

Under Shia law, girls are considered adults from age nine and boys from age fifteen, making them subject to fasting regulations. This year, the Education Ministry intensified enforcement across all schools, ordering canteens to remain closed throughout Ramadan.

Previously, many canteens did not serve food but allowed students to bring meals from home—often providing a space or facilities for heating them—and permitted non-fasting students to eat discreetly. However, the stricter measures now mean even young children must go without food during school hours.

In a statement released on its Telegram channel, the Coordination Council of Teachers’ Associations—a dissident teachers’ union—denounced the ministry’s directive, calling it an act of violence and oppression against children. The union also warned of health risks, especially for students already suffering from malnutrition due to economic hardship.

Ramadan coinciding with Persian New Year holidays

This year, Ramadan again coincides with the ancient Persian New Year (Norouz) beginning on March 20, due to the ten-day difference between the official solar and Islamic lunar calendars. The hospitality sector, which typically flourishes during Norouz, now faces heavy losses because of Ramadan restrictions.

To exacerbate matters for businesses already struggling under the economic crisis—and for those who are non-religious—the first day of the holiday also falls on the anniversary of the wounding of the first Shia saint, Ali ibn Abi Talib, in 661, with his death commemorated two days later. Both occasions are solemn mourning days in Iran.

Legal ambiguity

Under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, violators can face punishments ranging from 10 days to two months in prison, or up to 74 lashes.

Some Islamic law experts in Iran, such as Mohsen Borhani, argue that Sharia law does not prescribe punishments for “making a show of not fasting.” In a recent post on X, he wrote, “Judicial interference in religious matters is wrong and ineffective in [promoting religious observance].”