Last updated on October 1st, 2026 at 02:52 pm
Ramadan is one of the most sacred months for Muslims in which they observe fasting. Muslims all around the world celebrate this month wholeheartedly with pure dedication. It is the time when Muslims self-evaluate and reflect on themselves and immerse themselves in religious activities. Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. It is an obligation for each Muslim to fast in this month, with some exceptions. Fasting starts from dawn and ends with sunset. During this time, one is not allowed to drink, eat, smoke, or engage in certain activities that are not allowed during fasting.
Islam is a religion of ease and does not burden anyone. It recognizes that there may be circumstances and physical or mental challenges in which one is not capable of keeping fast. As it is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqara:
“So when you see the new moon you should fast the whole month; but a person who is ill or traveling (and fails to do so) should fast on other days, as God wishes ease and not hardship for you, so that you complete the (fixed) number (of fasts), and give glory to God for the guidance, and be grateful.”
Thus, the exemption applies to certain clearly defined categories, while others are allowed to postpone it. These exemptions reflect how Islam has taken care of every matter and prioritizes the wellness of each human being.
Children in the Prepuberty Stage
Fasting is not obligatory for children who have not yet reached puberty. According to Islamic rulings, fasting is only obligatory after a certain age. For girls, it is associated with the onset of menstruation, while for boys, it is related to the appearance of physical signs of puberty. Before that time, fasting was encouraged for practice but not as an obligation. Many children begin observing fast at a young age, and their families encourage them to develop the habit. This helps the children to understand the importance of fasting at a young age.
Geriatric Population
The elderly population who are too weak are also exempt from this obligation. After a certain age, when the body becomes too weak to handle fasting, they are allowed to skip fasts. Fasting can be a serious health risk for such persons. Scholars from all the major schools of thought agree unanimously on this matter. Alternatively, these individuals should pay fidya, which is a form of expiation. It means feeding a poor person for every missed fast. It is obligatory for them for the entire month so that they can still feel the religious spirit of this month.
The ill and those with Chronic Conditions
Other than that, anyone who is suffering from a serious illness and whose condition can be worsened by fasting is allowed not to observe a fast. It depends on the severity of the disease and the person’s ability. Illness may include infections, high fever, diabetes, heart conditions, kidney problems, and other serious issues. It is said that one should consult a doctor, and if there are serious health risks, the person is exempt from fasting.
One who is affected by a temporary illness may make up the missed fasts after recovery; this is known as qaddah. Someone with a terminal illness may pay fidya to participate in the spirituality of the holy month. It is recommended to differentiate between the two illnesses and act accordingly. In the Quran, it is stated in Surah Al-Baqara:
“Fast a (fixed) number of days, but if someone is ill or is travelling, he should complete the number of days (he had missed); and those who find it hard to fast should expiate by feeding a poor person.”
Pregnant Women
Women who are pregnant are also allowed to skip the fasts if it can risk the pregnancy or health of the child, and even the mother. During pregnancy, the body needs more food and energy, especially in the last trimester. Fasting can cause nutritional deficiencies and dehydration if the body is unable to meet certain requirements. It can be the cause of complications for the child as well as the mother.
Scholars have a slight difference of opinion on this matter: some suggest making up the fasts after childbirth and recovery, some say to pay fidyah, while others recommend doing both. The decision depends solely on the mother’s health and her ability to fast. Consulting a doctor is often recommended to make an informed decision.
Breastfeeding Mothers
Similarly, mothers on a breastfeeding journey are exempt from fasting. It applies to those who fear that fasting can reduce milk supply and that they will not be able to nourish the child properly. More energy is consumed during breastfeeding; fasting can lead to less nourishment and dehydration.
There is a difference of opinion among scholars on this matter, too. Thus, it depends on whether you should make up missed fasts, pay fidya, or do both. One should carefully consider all the matters and then take a responsible decision.
Menstruating Women and Those with Postpartum Bleeding
Women going through the menstruation phase or postpartum bleeding are not allowed to keep fasts. This is not an exemption, rather it is an Islamic ruling that such women do not keep fasts due to impurity reasons. Women are even allowed to break their fast in such situations and should make up the missed fasts afterward. It can be a challenge for some women who wish to fast, but they are encouraged to engage in other Islamic deeds during this time to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive.
Travelers
Travelers who are traveling for a distance of approximately 80-90km or more are also exempted from fasting. Traveling for such a long time can be hard. But now, with the world revolutionized by air travel and comfortable transportation, one may keep the fast if he wants to; otherwise, the concession remains, and one can make up the missed fasts later.
Mentally Incapable
Individuals who lack the mental capacity to understand or carry out religious obligations — whether due to severe intellectual disability, dementia, or serious mental illness — are exempt from fasting. Islamic law holds that religious obligations require conscious intention (niyyah) and understanding, and those who are unable to form or maintain such understanding are not held accountable.
This exemption is rooted directly in the Quranic principle: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that which it can bear” (2:286) — a foundational verse that underpins the entire framework of Islamic exemptions and reflects God’s infinite awareness of human limitation.
Moreover, individuals with mental illness, such as dementia, intellectual disability, or any other serious illness, are also allowed to exempt fasting. Religious obligations are for those who can understand the concept of niyyah and can differentiate between good and bad, the one who are unable to differentiate are not accountable. As Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى mentioned in the Quran:
“God does not burden a soul beyond capacity.”
Conclusion
Ramadan is a month filled with countless blessings, mercy, and spiritual healing. Islam is a religion of compassion that does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. While fasting during رمضان is obligatory for Muslims, Islam also grants exemptions to those who are genuinely unable to observe fasts.
These exemptions apply to the elderly and weak, individuals suffering from serious illnesses, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and those who are mentally incapable of fulfilling this religious obligation. Travelers covering long distances are also permitted to postpone their fasts and make them up later. Some individuals are required to make up the missed fast at a later time, while others may offer fidyah to uphold the spirit of Ramadan. Indeed, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is the Most Merciful.
