Examine the conditions under which a Muslim is exempted from the fast of Ramadan.

Answer Details

Fasting in Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam and is obligatory upon every adult, sane Muslim. However, Islam is a religion of ease, and Allah says: "Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship" (Q2:185). Accordingly, certain persons are exempted from the fast, some being required to make it up later and others to pay a compensation (fidyah).

1. The sick person: One suffering from an illness that fasting would worsen, or that would delay recovery, may break the fast and make up the missed days after regaining health.
2. The traveller (musafir): A person on a lawful journey of the recognised distance may postpone the fast and complete the missed days later, as the Qur'an permits (Q2:184-185).
3. The menstruating woman and the woman in post-natal bleeding (nifas): She is forbidden to fast during that period but must make up the days afterwards.
4. The pregnant woman and the nursing mother: If they fear harm to themselves or to the child, they may break the fast and make it up later; some jurists add the payment of fidyah.
5. The very old and the chronically ill: Those who have no hope of ever being able to fast are permanently exempted. In place of fasting they feed a needy person for each missed day as fidyah.
6. The insane person: A person who has lost the use of reason is not held responsible and is exempted, since religious duties require sanity.
7. The child who has not reached puberty: Fasting is not obligatory upon such a one, though children are encouraged to practise it.

Conclusion: These exemptions show the mercy and practicality of Islamic law. Those able to make up the fast later must do so; those permanently unable pay fidyah; and the exemptions must be applied honestly and not used as a pretext to escape a clear obligation.