Is it permissible not to fast during Ramadan?

Allah the Almighty says in the Qur'an:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness)," as commanded in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. In a hadith narrated from the companion Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Islam is built upon five: the testimony that 'La ilaha illallah wa anna Muhammadan rasulullah', establishing prayer, giving zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting in Ramadan," (Bukhari, Muslim).

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim who is healthy, resident (not traveling), of sound mind, and has reached puberty. The validity of fasting depends on making the intention, avoiding things that break the fast, and for women, being free from menstruation and postnatal bleeding.

One who fasts in Ramadan fulfills their religious duty and will receive great rewards and promised blessings from Allah in the Hereafter. If someone is able to fast but deliberately neglects it, they commit a sin and will face punishment in the Hereafter.

In a hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Whoever does not fast a single day of Ramadan without a valid excuse or illness, even if he were to fast for a lifetime, it would not make up for that day," (Nasa'i).

Those who are ill, traveling, menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women who fear harm to themselves or their child, may make up the missed fasts later.

According to Islamic law, there are two groups of people who are permitted not to fast in Ramadan and instead give fidya (compensation) for each missed day:

• Elderly people who are physically unable to fast due to old age and whose strength is diminishing day by day.

• Those suffering from chronic illnesses with no hope of recovery, for whom fasting would cause serious harm to their health.

For anyone not in these two categories, it is not permissible to skip the Ramadan fast or give fidya instead. Experiencing some difficulty at work or school due to fasting does not constitute a valid excuse in Islamic law.

Hasan AMANKUL,

"Munara" newspaper, No. 6, 2022