During Ramadan, the daylight hours are set aside for fasting. Muslims taking part in the fast are prohibited from all food and drink, and should abstain from smoking and intercourse. Many still question whether it is considered acceptable for couples to have intercourse during Ramadan, or not. Intercourse during the day is 'haram' for both Muslim men and women. It is seen as a sinful act during the time of fasting, after which the 'kaffarah' should be offered. 'Kaffarah' is the penalty which the couple is to pay for their actions. They should pay the penalty by freeing a slave, and if it is not possible to do so, the couple should either fast for two months, consecutively and in the event of them not doing so, they will need to feed sixty needy, hungry people in return. So, this is what is expected of fasting couples during the holy month of Ramadan. With the daytime being set aside for fasting, it is permissible for couples to engage in intercourse after the sun goes down, provided they realize that it is forbidden to do so once the sun rises in the morning again. Ramadan is a sacred month during which many Muslims devote themselves to prayer and fasting. Anything unholy to draw them away from their spiritual focus is considered as breaking the fast. For instance, eating or having intercourse during the daylight hours will break the fast and are deemed to be acts of disobedience. It is essential to maintain a pure spirit while fasting and not be distracted by such things. Views may differ among Muslims from different societies as many partake in the annual fast.