Ramadan: Eight categories of Muslims exempted from fasting

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is the holiest period for Muslims worldwide. It is observed with fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community.

During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs to attain spiritual purification, self-discipline, and a closer relationship with Allah.

However, Islam also recognises that fasting is not always feasible for everyone. As a result, certain categories of people are exempted from fasting to ensure that religious obligations do not become a hardship.

Who is exempted from fasting?

The Quran and Islamic teachings provide clear guidelines on who is exempted from fasting during Ramadan. These exemptions reflect Islam’s emphasis on mercy, flexibility, and justice.

Below are the categories of Muslims who are allowed to skip fasting:

1. The sick

Muslims suffering from illnesses that may worsen due to fasting are exempt. The severity of the sickness determines whether fasting can be postponed or entirely excused. Those with temporary illnesses can make up the missed fasts later, while those with chronic conditions can give fidya (compensation) by feeding a needy person for each missed day.

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2. Travelers

Muslims on a journey that meets the Islamic criteria for travel (typically exceeding 77 kilometers) are permitted to skip fasting. This exemption is given because travel can be physically demanding. However, travelers are expected to make up for the missed fasts once they settle back home.

3. Menstruating women and postpartum women

Women experiencing menstruation or postnatal bleeding are forbidden from fasting. This ruling is based on Islamic teachings that prioritize a woman’s health and well-being. They must, however, make up for the missed fasts after Ramadan.

4. Pregnant and breastfeeding women

Pregnant and breastfeeding women who fear that fasting may harm their health or that of their baby are allowed to skip fasting. They can either make up for the missed fasts later or, according to some scholars, pay fidya by feeding a needy person per missed day.

5. The elderly

Elderly Muslims who find fasting too physically demanding due to weakness or age-related conditions are exempted. Instead of fasting, they are required to provide fidya by feeding a poor person for each day of Ramadan.

6. Those with mental illness

Muslims suffering from severe mental health conditions, such as insanity or cognitive impairment, are not obligated to fast. Since fasting requires intention (niyyah) and awareness, those who are mentally incapacitated are not accountable for the fast.

7. Children

Fasting is only mandatory for adult Muslims who have reached puberty. Children are encouraged to practice fasting in preparation for adulthood, but they are not obligated to observe it.

8. Those engaged in hard labour

Muslims whose livelihood depends on physically demanding labour, such as construction workers or farmers, may be excused if fasting endangers their health. However, they are encouraged to make up for the missed fasts when possible or offer fidya if their work conditions remain unchanged.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth, reflection, and devotion, but Islam also acknowledges human limitations. The exemptions from fasting demonstrate Islam’s compassionate approach to religious obligations.

Those who cannot fast are encouraged to seek alternative ways to fulfill their religious duties, such as feeding the needy, making up fasts later, or engaging in increased prayer and charity. Ultimately, Ramadan is about spiritual sincerity, and exemptions exist to ensure that worship remains a source of peace, not hardship.