Who is exempt from Sawm (fasting) in Ramadan?

Dear Brother / Sister,

"It is sinful to not fast without a valid excuse or to break a fast that has already started. Additionally, there is a penalty for this in the form of making up the fast (qada) and, if one intentionally breaks a Ramadan fast, an expiation (kaffarah). However, in certain situations, not fasting or breaking an already started fast becomes permissible according to Islamic law. These situations are as follows:"

1- Illness: If someone fears that their illness might worsen or be prolonged by fasting, it is permissible for them not to fast, or to break their fast, and make up for it later.

2- Travel: Those who are traveling during Ramadan are permitted to postpone their fast until later. However, if the journey does not cause hardship, physical weakness, or discomfort, it is preferable to fast rather than to delay it.

3- Coercion (Threats and Force): If a person is threatened with being beaten, injured, or killed if they do not break their fast, they are permitted not to fast.

4- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman fears harm to herself or her child by fasting, she is permitted not to fast and to make up for it later. The ruling does not change if she is breastfeeding someone else's child.

5- Severe Hunger and Thirst: If someone fears death from hunger or thirst, or fears losing their mental stability, they are allowed to break their fast.

6- Extreme Old Age: Elderly individuals who are too weak to fast are permitted not to fast. Since they cannot make up for the missed fasts, they should offer fidya (compensation).

7- Menstruation and Postpartum Bleeding: It is forbidden to fast during menstruation or postpartum bleeding.

*For those observing voluntary fasts, being invited to a meal is considered an excuse. Such a person may break their fast if the host insists.

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