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Who Must Fast During Ramadan

Mandatory Requirements

• Adult Muslims (post-puberty)
• Sound mental health
• Physical capability
• Resident (not traveling)
• Women outside menstruation/post-childbirth period

Exempted Individuals

1. Temporary Exemptions 
   • Travelers
   • Menstruating women
   • Pregnant women
   • Nursing mothers
   • Temporarily ill
2. Permanent Exemptions 
   • Elderly with chronic illness
   • Permanently disabled
   • Chronic medical conditions
   • Mental health conditions

Core Fasting Rules

Duration of Fast

• From dawn (Fajr)
• Until sunset (Maghrib)
• Daily throughout Ramadan
• Following lunar calendar

Actions That Break the Fast

1. Intentional Consumption 
   • Eating
   • Drinking
   • Smoking
   • Medications
2. Other Invalidating Acts 
   • Sexual activity
   • Intentional vomiting
   • Injectable nutrition
   • Blood transfusions

Actions That Don't Break the Fast

• Unintentional eating/drinking
• Swallowing saliva
• Swimming/bathing
• Medical examinations
• Blood tests/donations

Making Up Missed Fasts

Qada (Making Up)

1. When to Make Up 
   • After Ramadan
   • Before next Ramadan
   • During cooler months
2. Process 
   • One day for each missed
   • Can be non-consecutive
   • Intention required

Fidya (Compensation)

• When applicable
• Calculation methods
• Payment options
• Distribution guidelines

Special Circumstances

Travel Considerations

• Minimum distance
• Duration of stay
• Combining prayers
• Making up fasts

Medical Conditions

1. Temporary Illness 
   • Recovery period
   • Making up fasts
   • Medical consultation
2. Chronic Conditions 
   • Permanent exemption
   • Fidya payments
   • Alternative devotions

Additional Recommendations

Sunnah Practices

• Pre-dawn meal (Suhoor)
• Breaking fast with dates
• Dua at iftar time
• Extra prayers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. During Fasting 
   • Oversleeping
   • Skipping Suhoor
   • Excessive eating at Iftar
   • Neglecting prayers
2. Misconceptions 
   • About medications
   • About travel rules
   • About exemptions
   • About compensation

Conclusion

Understanding and following the proper rules of Ramadan fasting ensures both spiritual fulfillment and physical wellbeing during this blessed month.