By Alh. Abdulfatai Abdulrauf
Allah has recommended fasting to us, especially in the ninth month. This is necessary to attain righteousness. However, some conditions are necessary to partake in Ramadan.
First, you must be of sound mind and secondly one must attain the age of puberty (maturity).
On the other hand, insane persons are exempted from Ramadan. Those asleep and young lads are also free not to partake in the spiritual exercise. Also, any woman in her period is exempted from fasting and prayers.
A Muslim who travels over 48 miles is absolved too. So also one that is sick. Allah said in Quran 2 vs 148 ” However, should any one of you be sick or on a journey, then (he should fast) several other days (equal to the missed ones); and those who have the strength, (still, they do not opt for fasting,) on them there is a fidyah (compensation), that is, the feeding of a poor person. Then whoever does good voluntarily, that is better for him. However, that you fast is better for you, if you only knew”.
For sick persons (not terminal), they are expected to count the number of days he/ she won’t be able to fast and do so after recovery. They are also advised to feed one vulnerable or poor person.
The elderly who are weak are exempted too. Similarly, they can extend hands of fellowship to the less privileged around. Nursing mothers and pregnant women are also exempted.
