Islam is built on mercy, balance, and ease. While fasting in Ramadan is obligatory, Allah has made lawful exemptions for certain categories of people, demonstrating that Islam does not impose hardship beyond human capacity.
Allah states clearly: “Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Qur’an 2:185).
Among those exempted are the sick — specifically those whose illness may worsen or whose recovery may be delayed by fasting. Such individuals are allowed to break their fast and make it up when their health improves.
Travellers are also granted concession. The physical stress of travel often justifies breaking the fast, with the obligation to make up the missed days later.
The elderly who are permanently unable to fast, and those with chronic illnesses that have no hope of recovery, are exempted completely. Instead, they are required to offer fidya — feeding a poor person for each missed day.
Allah says: “And upon those who are able (but with hardship), a ransom of feeding a poor person.” (Qur’an 2:184).
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also exempted if fasting poses harm to themselves or their babies. Islam prioritizes life, health, and well-being over hardship.
As a guide, exemptions must neither be abused nor rejected out of misplaced guilt. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “Allah loves that His concessions be taken just as He loves that His commands be observed.”
Accepting Allah’s mercy is an act of obedience. Fasting when able, and accepting exemption when required, both reflect submission to Allah’s wisdom.
