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
-
Temporary Exemptions
- Travelers
- Menstruating women
- Pregnant women
- Nursing mothers
- Temporarily ill
-
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
-
Intentional Consumption
- Eating
- Drinking
- Smoking
- Medications
-
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)
-
When to Make Up
- After Ramadan
- Before next Ramadan
- During cooler months
-
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
-
Temporary Illness
- Recovery period
- Making up fasts
- Medical consultation
-
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
-
During Fasting
- Oversleeping
- Skipping Suhoor
- Excessive eating at Iftar
- Neglecting prayers
-
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.
