Who must fast, and the exemptions

Who must fast? The fast of Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty, is of sound mind, is able to fast and is resident (not travelling). For a woman, she must also not be in her period or in post-natal bleeding.

Children. Fasting is not obligatory before puberty. Yet the companions accustomed their children to fasting little by little, and gave them toys to keep them busy until the fast was broken (Bukhari 1960, Muslim 1136) [À VÉRIFIER : numéros]. Half a day, then a day, depending on age and health.

The intention (niyya). Fasting requires intention, in the heart; it does not need to be spoken. A hadith says: "Whoever has not formed the intention to fast before dawn has no fast" (Abu Dawud 2454, Tirmidhi 730, Nasa'i 2331) [À VÉRIFIER : numéros et degré]. The schools differ on how: for the majority, an intention each night; for the Maliki school, one intention at the start of the month is enough for the whole of Ramadan; for the Hanafi school, the intention for the Ramadan fast can still be made in the morning [À VÉRIFIER]. Getting up for suhur with the idea of fasting is already an intention.

The exemptions given by the Qur'an. Allah says: "Whoever among you is ill or on a journey, let him fast an equal number of other days. And for those who could only bear it with great hardship, there is a compensation: feeding a poor person" (meaning of 2:184). And: "Allah wants ease for you; He does not want hardship for you" (2:185).

• The sick person: if fasting worsens the illness or delays recovery, they do not fast and make it up later. If the illness is lasting with no hope of recovery, they pay fidya (lesson 7). A doctor's advice matters here, together with the imam's. • The traveller: they may break the fast and make it up afterwards. The companions travelled with the Prophet ﷺ, some fasting, others not, and no one blamed the other (Bukhari 1947, Muslim 1118) [À VÉRIFIER : numéros]. The distance of travel, and whether it is better to fast or not, are matters of differing views [À VÉRIFIER : avis enseigné par le centre]. • The elderly person who can no longer fast: they pay fidya for each day. • A woman in her period or post-natal bleeding: she does not fast, and makes up the days afterwards. 'A'isha said: "We were ordered to make up the fast, and not ordered to make up the prayer." (Muslim 335) • A pregnant or breastfeeding woman: if she fears for herself or for the child, she may break the fast. What she must do afterwards (make-up only, make-up with fidya, or fidya only, depending on the reason and the school) is a matter of differing views [À VÉRIFIER : avis enseigné par le centre]. Discuss it with the imam, and with the doctor for health.

An important principle: the exemption is a mercy from Allah, not a weakness. Someone who risks their health by fasting despite an exemption is not acting in the spirit of the religion. When in doubt, ask.

Understanding the lesson

Explanation Exemptions are not exceptions granted reluctantly: they belong to the very logic of the religion. Allah says: "Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity" (meaning of part of 2:286), and, in the verses on fasting: "Allah intends ease for you" (2:185). Obligation follows capacity.

It is also reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah loves that His concessions be taken, just as He dislikes that disobedience be committed." (Musnad Ahmad 5866 [À VÉRIFIER : numéro et degré])

In practice: we don't judge someone who is not fasting. We know nothing of their health, their treatment or, for a woman, her situation. Intrusive questions or remarks can hurt.

For children, the aim is educational: helping them come to love fasting little by little, according to their age and health, without turning it into a trial of strength.

Several points in this lesson are the subject of differing opinions among the schools (intention, travel, pregnant or breastfeeding women). The course presents them without deciding between them: for your own situation, ask the imam for the opinion taught at the centre.

Lessons to draw from it • Taking an exemption when you are entitled to it is obedience, not weakness. • Don't judge those who are not fasting: we don't know their reasons. • Get children used to fasting gently and gradually, while watching their health. • In case of illness, pregnancy or medical treatment, consult both the doctor and the imam.

Key points to remember • Fasting is obligatory for a Muslim who has reached puberty, is of sound mind, able and resident; a woman does not fast during menstruation or post-natal bleeding. • The sick, travellers, women during menstruation or post-natal bleeding: make up the days; the elderly or those with an illness with no hope of recovery: fidya. • Opinions differ on intention, travel and pregnant or breastfeeding women: ask the imam.

The main message Allah wants ease for us: an exemption is a mercy, and each person fasts according to their capacity.