Ramadan 2024: 6 Exceptions for Fasting in the UAE
Islam, as a religion, has established clear provisions that offer flexibility to individuals facing particular circumstances. In the UAE, residents observing Ramadan this year will endure fasting periods starting at approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes, extending to around 14 hours and 25 minutes as the holy month progresses.
Despite the prevalence of religious practices during Ramadan, numerous misconceptions surround fasting, particularly concerning who is obligated to fast and who is exempt. Islam, however, provides explicit guidelines, allowing exemptions for specific groups of individuals. Here are six categories of people exempt from fasting during Ramadan.
1. Physical illness
Individuals experiencing temporary illnesses are excused from fasting for the duration of their illness. Once they recover, they must make up for the missed fasts within the holy month. Furthermore, those with terminal illnesses preventing them from abstaining are exempted and instead required to provide ‘fidyah,’ a financial or in-kind donation for each missed day of fasting.
Mufti Shah Jahan from Dubai Awqaf emphasizes that fatigue or tiredness alone is not a valid reason to break a fast unless it poses a threat to health or daily duties.
2. Mental illness, old age
People suffering from mental illnesses affecting cognitive functioning are exempt from fasting. This provision also extends to individuals experiencing cognitive impairment due to old age. Elderly individuals with frail health can abstain from fasting and are obligated to give ‘fidyah’ as compensation.
3. Travellers
Under specific conditions, travellers are exempt from fasting, including those constantly in transit without plans to stay at a destination or those not traveling for sinful purposes. However, travellers must later compensate by fasting for the missed days.
4. Menstruating, pregnant women
Menstruating women are excused from fasting and must compensate for the missed days later. The same rule applies to women experiencing post-natal bleeding after pregnancy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not obliged to fast if it poses a risk to their health or the child’s well-being. They can make up for missed days later or provide support to the needy for each missed day.
5. Coercion
Individuals forced to break their fast in life-threatening situations are allowed to do so but must make up for it later.
6. Unbearable thirst, hunger
If a person experiences unbearable hunger or thirst to the point of it becoming life-threatening, breaking the fast is permissible. However, compensation through later fasting is mandatory.
Understanding these exemptions reinforces the compassionate and considerate nature of Islamic practices, recognizing the diverse situations individuals may face during the holy month of Ramadan. The provisions aim to ensure the well-being of individuals while maintaining the spiritual significance of the fasting period.
These exemptions underscore the compassionate and considerate nature of Islamic practices, recognizing the diverse situations individuals may encounter during the holy month of Ramadan. Beyond providing flexibility, these provisions aim to ensure the well-being of individuals while maintaining the spiritual significance of the fasting period.
Moreover, adherence to these exemptions is not only a matter of religious duty but also reflects a profound understanding of human limitations and needs. It acknowledges the importance of health, both physical and mental, as well as the responsibilities individuals may have towards themselves and their families.
In the UAE, where multiculturalism and diversity thrive, these exemptions are particularly relevant. They ensure that the practice of fasting during Ramadan remains inclusive, respecting the unique circumstances of each individual within the community. This inclusivity fosters a sense of unity and understanding, reinforcing the bonds of empathy and compassion among community members.
Furthermore, these exemptions serve as a reminder of the broader principles of Islam, emphasizing mercy, justice, and care for others. By allowing individuals to prioritize their health and well-being, Islam demonstrates its commitment to the holistic welfare of its followers.
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