In Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is a fundamental act of worship that every able-bodied Muslim is expected to observe. However, there are specific individuals who are exempt from fasting due to health conditions, life circumstances, or other valid reasons.
But who cannot fast in Islam? This question has significant importance, especially as Muslims strive to fulfill their religious duties while considering their personal well-being. Understanding these exceptions is essential, and for those seeking guidance on religious practices, institutions like Sabil Al-Quran provide valuable resources to help clarify such matters.
The importance of fasting in Islam and its status as one of the Five Pillars of Islam
Fasting holds great significance in Islam, and it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, without which faith is incomplete. Fasting is not merely refraining from food and drink; it is a means of purifying the soul and strengthening one’s connection with Allah. Allah ordained fasting during the month of Ramadan in the second year of Hijrah, as stated in His words:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous”
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ}
Surah Al-Baqarah (183:193)
The status of fasting in Islam goes beyond it being a religious obligation; it serves as a spiritual tool aimed at teaching patience, piety, and the avoidance of sins. Fasting teaches the Muslim how to control desires and urges, encourages charity and compassion, and strengthens social solidarity through charitable acts, especially during the month of Ramadan.
Fasting is considered one of the greatest acts of worship that draws the servant closer to their Lord. It involves abstaining from food, drink, and intimacy from dawn until sunset, and is regarded as one of the most powerful means of purifying the soul and avoiding sin.
Who Must Fast During Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan is a duty for every accountable Muslim. While young children are not required to fast, they must begin observing the fast once they reach puberty. The Qur’an commands:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous.”
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ}
Surah Al-Baqarah (183:193)
However, there are exceptions based on health or specific circumstances that may allow someone to miss the fast temporarily.
Who cannot fast in Islam?
In Islam, those who cannot fast include:
- Sick individuals: If fasting worsens their condition or slows recovery.
- Travelers: Those on long journeys, as long as they meet certain conditions.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: If fasting could harm them or their child.
- Elderly individuals: Who are too weak to fast.
- Young children: Who have not yet reached puberty.
- Those with mental illnesses: Who cannot understand or observe the fast.
These individuals are excused from fasting and may either make up the missed fasts later or provide food to the poor as compensation (fidyah).
What Are Valid Reasons For Not Fasting?
In Islam, there are several legitimate reasons for which an individual may be excused from fasting during Ramadan. These reasons ensure that the fast remains a spiritual act of worship without causing harm to one’s health or well-being. Below are the key circumstances under which a person may break their fast:
- Illness:
A person who is unwell or whose health would worsen due to fasting is exempted. Islamic scholars agree that illness is a valid reason for breaking the fast, as mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184). Those who are sick are permitted to make up for the missed fasts later, when they recover. If fasting may exacerbate a person’s illness or hinder their recovery, it is recommended that they do not fast, as their health must take priority.
- Travel:
Travelers who meet specific conditions are permitted to break their fast. These conditions include: the journey must be long enough for prayer shortening, the purpose of the trip must be lawful, and the traveler must not intend to settle at their destination. If the traveler decides to stay in a place for an extended period or returns home, they are required to observe the fast again.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are allowed to break their fast if there is a fear that fasting could harm them or their child. This exemption is based on the Qur’anic verse that allows the sick and those traveling to break their fast and make it up later (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also relieved pregnant and breastfeeding women from fasting if it could cause harm.
- Old Age:
The elderly who are too weak or frail to fast due to age-related health issues are also permitted to break their fast. Such individuals may either choose not to fast or, if they are unable to fast at all, they can feed a poor person for each day of fasting missed, as indicated in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184.
- Extreme Hunger or Thirst:
- If a person experiences intense hunger or unbearable thirst, they may break their fast to alleviate their condition. In cases where a person fears weakness due to prolonged fasting, particularly in situations where they may be involved in a life-threatening circumstance (e.g., in battle), they may break their fast temporarily.
- Coercion:
If an individual is forced to break their fast under duress or threat, their fast is not invalidated. The principle of compulsion means that a person who is coerced into breaking their fast is not held accountable, as their action was not voluntary.
These exemptions reflect Islam’s compassionate approach to fasting, ensuring that it remains an act of devotion without causing undue hardship. It is important to understand these allowances to maintain both physical health and spiritual integrity during Ramadan.
Conclusion
In Islam, fasting during Ramadan is an important act of worship, but there are exceptions for those who cannot fast in islam due to valid reasons. These exceptions include individuals who are ill, traveling, pregnant or breastfeeding, elderly, or facing intense hunger and thirst. It is essential to recognize these exemptions to ensure the well-being of those who are unable to observe the fast, and they are allowed to make up for the missed fasts or provide compensation through other means as per Islamic teachings.
FAQ about Who cannot fast in Islam
What is haram while fasting?
During Ramadan, fasting prohibits eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual activities from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). This act of fasting is a deeply personal form of worship, allowing Muslims to enhance their closeness to Allah. It serves as a reminder that Allah is the ultimate provider of all sustenance.
Can a sick person not fast?
If you are ill, you are exempt from fasting until you have recovered. Health should always be prioritized, and fasting can be postponed until you are able to do so without risking your well-being.
Which 5 days are forbidden for fasting in Islam?
Fasting is prohibited on the following days: the days immediately before Ramadan (one or two days before Ramadan), fasting continuously throughout the year without interruption, a woman fasting voluntarily without her husband’s permission, continuous fasting from day to night, and the days of “Ayyam al-Tashreeq,” which are the three days following Eid al-Adha.