Who Is Excused from Fasting in Ramadan?
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, but some people are allowed to skip fasting due to valid reasons. Allah (SWT) has given these exemptions in the Quran
The Quran recognizes that fasting may not be feasible for everyone. Allah says:
“And [for] whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person each day…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)
This verse reflects Islam’s flexibility and compassion. Pregnant women, travelers, and those with health issues are exempt from fasting but can compensate through other means.
Here are the people who are excused from fasting:
1. Sick People
If someone is sick and fasting could make their condition worse, they are allowed to skip fasting. However, they must make up for the missed days later when they recover.
🔗 Learn More About Fasting and Illness
2. Travelers (Musaafir)
If a person is traveling a long distance (more than 77 km) and does not plan to stay for more than 14 days, they can skip fasting. However, if fasting is not difficult for them, it is better to fast. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“It is not righteousness that you fast while traveling.”
(Sahih Muslim 1115)
🔗 Rulings on Fasting for Travelers
3. Extreme Hunger or Thirst
If fasting puts someone’s life in danger due to extreme hunger or thirst, they can break their fast. Islam values life and does not want anyone to harm themselves.
4. Breaking a Voluntary (Nafl) Fast
If someone starts a voluntary (Nafl) fast but breaks it before completing it, they must make up for that fast later. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When one of you breaks his fast (voluntary fast), he must make up for it.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 2456)
These rulings show the mercy of Allah in making fasting easy for those who genuinely cannot do it.
May Allah accept our fasting and guide us on the right path! Ameen. 🤲
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