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Lesson 3 : When is Fasting Obligatory and Exempted?

When is fasting obligatory and exempted? After knowing the basics, you must know who should fast during Ramadan? Who should not fast?. Well, lucky for you, Dr. Zakir is here to answer your query regarding when is fasting obligatory and exempted.

Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims. The only criterion is that fasting becomes obligatory on Muslims when they reach puberty. This age is usually 10-14 years for girls and 12-16 for boys. Once a Muslim reaches puberty, fasting is obligatory.

However, fasting is also exempted in case of certain events. This episode will mainly focus on those events. Let us look at who should fast during Ramadan? Who should not fast?

When is Fasting Obligatory and Exempted :Course Description

Non-Muslims

People who are non-Muslims are totally exempted from fasting. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims only. Non-Muslims are not obligated by it.

Muslims that are Exempted from Fasting

There are some cases in which Muslims are exempted from fasting. They are detailed below:

  • Insane people are also category exempted from fasting. Insane people, unfortunately, are not in their senses entirely, so they are exempted from fasting. The people who miss their fasts due to sleep are also exempted. Young children who have not reached puberty are also exempted. Regarding these three categories, Ali (RA) narrated that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “The pen has been lifted from three; from the sleeping person until he awakens, for the boy until he becomes a young man and for the mentally insane until he regains sanity.” (Sunan At Tirmidhi Vol 3 Hadith 1423)
  • Travelers and ill people are also exempted from fasting. Both of them have to make up for their missed fasts. However, in case of disability or permanent illness, you can make up for each missed fast by feeding a poor person. The messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Indeed Allah most high lifted (the fast and) half of the Salah from the traveler, and he lifted the fast from the pregnant person, or the sick person.” (Sunan At Tirmidhi Vol.2 Hadith 715)
  • A person fighting a battle in the cause of Allah is also exempted from fasting. Narrated Ibn’ Abbas (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) left Al Madina (for Makkah) in the company of ten thousand (Muslim warriors) in (the month of) Ramadan, and he was observing Saum (fast), and they were observing Saum (fast), but when they reached a place called Al Kadid, which was a place of water between Usfaan and Qudaid, He broke His Saum (fast), and so did they.” (Sahih Al Bukhari Vol.5 Hadith 4276)
  • A person under compulsion and a person with very old age are also exempted from fasting. Both of them have to make up for their missed fasts. Narrated Abu Hurairah, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah has forgiven my nation for the evil suggestions of their hearts, so long as they don’t act upon it, or speak of it, and for what they are forced to do. (Sunan Ibn Maajah Vol.3 Hadith 2044) Regarding old age, Allah says in the Quran: “And for those who can fast with difficulty (e.g., an old man, etc.) they have (either a choice to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day)” (Al-Quran 2:184)

For Women Only

Menstruating women, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and women with post-natal bleeding are also exempted from fasting. All the categories above have to make up for their missed fasts once the conditions are over. Abu Sa’id narrated that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Isn’t it true that a woman does not offer Salaah (prayer) and does not observe Saum (fasting) on menstruating? And that is a defect (loss) in her religion.” (Sahih Al Bukhari Vol 3 Hadith 1951)

All the categories mentioned above have to make up for their missed fasts except:

  • Non-Muslims
  • Insane
  • Minors

The categories that don’t have to make up for their missed fasts but feed a poor person for every fast missed are:

  • People with permanent illness
  • People with very old age

FAQ

Ans. All Muslims should fast during Ramadan

Minors, Non-Muslims, and the insane should not fast.

The exempted from fast during Ramadan include pregnant women, menstruating women, women with post-natal bleeding, and breastfeeding women. People with illness may also not fast. Travelers may fast or not if they want to. Old age people and permanently ill or disabled may also not fast but feed a poor person for every missed fast.