FAQs About Ramadan
Why do we fast?
- Fasting is the third pillar of Islam. It is one of the most important fundamentals of Islam.
- It is prescribed in the Quran and is a means of self-discipline and taqwa.
- This practice allows a believer to understand the pain of those who do not have food and water on a daily basis due to poverty or other reasons.
- Fasting is a means of molding the soul and body to submit to the order of Allah SWT and control all desires and temptations.
Who must fast?
- A Muslim man or woman who has reached the age of puberty and is sane and healthy and none of the factors that suspend fasting apply to him or her such as traveling, illness etc.
Who does not have to fast nor make up for their fast by fasting?
- Mentally Unstable (to a point where they are not aware of how to fast and what it is)
- Chronically Ill- In a state where they have to take medications , nutrients throughout the day in order to survive.
- Shaikun Fani: A very old person who may not even understand that it is Ramadan or need the food, medication and nutrients for survival.
The above three do not have to fast nor do they have to make up for their fast by fasting. The mentally unstable are completely exempt from this worship. The other two types of people can give fidya instead of fasting- we will be discussing that soon.
What is Fidya?
If someone is not mentally unstable but has a sickness that prevents him or her to fast and he or she is never able to fast – then fidya is prescribed. Fidya is basically feeding one poor person for each day of Ramadan. Majority of scholars do say that it is permissible to give cash equal to that amount.
“And for those who have difficulty in fasting they have to feed a poor person everyday.” (Al-Baqarah 2:184)
Who does not fast but has to make up for the days he or she missed?
- A woman on her cycle does not fast during the days she is on her period.
- A woman who gave birth right before or during Ramadan- she will not fast since she is Nifas (post-partum bleeding).
- Nursing- Please note that this is for women who are exclusively nursing, or their nursing is majority of the baby’s nutrient, or their baby does not have any other source of food, or if the mother does not nurse the baby’s health will be impacted negatively. The reason why elaboration is needed is because many times there are cases when women are not fasting and their baby is only nursing at night or on a pick and choose basis. This means that this child is mostly dependent on other food besides the nursing- in this situation a mother should rethink before missing the fast. Ask oneself is it really necessary for me to miss a fast in order to breastfeed?
- Sickness: If someone is sick in Ramadan and it is temporary for example a stomach virus or migraines etc. and medication and proper food is needed – then he or she can skip the fasts in Ramadan and make up for them later.
Who does not fast but has to make up for the days he or she missed? Continued….
- Pregnancy: Once again it is important to keep in mind that a pregnant woman is allowed to fast if her health allows her to do so. However if there is a risk for the mother or the baby then she should skip the fast and make up for it later on. If someone does not fast due to pregnancy yet does not eat the entire day or delays meals due to work and busy schedules then that clearly shows that fasting was not harmful for the person. In a nutshell this concession is provided 100% however it should no be abused.
- Travelling: The journey must be ling enough that prayers may be shortened. It is important to note that missing fast while travelling is allowed as a concession or ease for the traveler. Back in the day traveling was very hard however nowadays things/times have changed. If one can fast during the travel comfortably then there is no harm in doing so. However if one wants to use this concession and fast later that is not a sin either.
