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In Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation upon every adult, sane, and healthy Muslim. However, certain groups of people are given exemptions due to genuine reasons that make fasting difficult or harmful for them. These exemptions are based on mercy and flexibility within Shariah.
Those who are exempt include:
The sick: A person suffering from illness that may worsen with fasting is allowed to break the fast. If the sickness is temporary, the fast must be made up later.
The traveler: A Muslim on a journey of permissible travel may postpone fasting and make up for the missed days after Ramadan.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women: If fasting poses a risk to the mother’s health or the child’s well-being, they are allowed not to fast, and later either make up the missed fasts or pay fidyah, depending on circumstances.
The elderly (senile or weak): Those unable to fast due to old age are permanently excused and may give fidyah (feeding a poor person for each missed fast).
These rulings show the balance and mercy in Islamic law, ensuring that no Muslim faces unbearable hardship while fulfilling religious duties.
Key Facts:
Fasting is obligatory for all adult, healthy Muslims.
Exemptions apply to: the sick, travelers, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and elderly unable to fast.
Temporary exemptions (illness, travel, pregnancy) require making up missed fasts later.
Permanent exemptions (old age, chronic illness) require fidyah (feeding the poor).
These rules reflect the compassion and flexibility of Islam.
Qur’an reference: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184-185) explains exemptions clearly.
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