Who can and can't fast during Ramadan?
For the next thirty days, Muslims across the world will be abstaining from eating or drinking during daytime as part of Ramadan. A sacred month, fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are a set of rules that every Muslim must adhere to and are considered as the cornerstone of the religion.
Ramadan isn't just about no eating or drinking during the day however, it is seen as a reset in people's lives and worshippers are encouraged to give to charity, read the Qu'ran, pray as much as they can and conduct themselves in a peaceful, righteous and proper manner.
Who can fast in Ramadan?
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The answer is essentially, anybody, with fasting being an integral part of a muslim's life, it is almost compulsory for members of the faith to partake in the month of Ramadan. The common rule is that all healthy Muslim men, women and children who are old enough are expected to fast during Ramadan.
Fasting isn't as strict as some people think. If someone breaks their fast on one day, they're allowed to make it up another day. However, there are some examples where you don't need to fast.
Who doesn't need to fast during Ramadan?
The Qur'an, which is the most sacred book in Islam, teaches that fasting isn't a hardship forced on Muslims. Instead, it's seen as a chance for self-improvement and worship.
There are also clear rules about who can choose not to fast during Ramadan.
Here's a simple explanation of who doesn't have to fast during Ramadan (remember, different groups might have slightly different views, so this is just a general idea).
Someone who's already ill and their health would be worsened or life put in danger if they were to fast. Any days missed can be made up when they recover from the illness
Someone who is travelling far enough to shorten the ritual prayer (Muslim scholar have estimated this to be around 50 miles)
Elderly people are exempt from fasting, however, the definition of old age has not been specified and varies depending how the act will affect the individual
Pregnant women are also exempt from fasting in order to prevent harm coming to the unborn child
Women on their periods are also not obliged to fast and can make up the days missed once their cycle is over
If you are suffering from severe thirst or hunger that will cause physical harm or death then breaking your fast before iftar is allowed
Anybody fasting under coercion voids the fast, however, the day will need to be repaid at a later date
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