O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint. —Surah Baqarah 2:183
Today is the last Jummah of Ramadan 2021 for our Muslim community and this year’s fasting in Ghana has also brought to the news, issues affecting Muslim students in second cycle schools.
It is an obligation for every Muslim to fast during the Ramadan season from dawn tonight. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.
READ MORE: Iftar: 5 healthy Ghana food recipes for breaking your fast during Ramadan
There are some exceptions although the fast is mandatory. Here are 5 category of Muslims who are not allowed to fast during Ramadan
1. Children
Some children may choose to fast, but do not force the pre-pubescent child if he says he cannot fast. You can train the child for the future by encouraging half day fasts.
2. Pregnant and nursing mothers
You need you strength more than ever now, don’t force yourself to fast, enjoy healthy and nutritional meals so you can share with your baby to grow strong and healthy.
3. Certain illnesses
If you are not well and are on medication, do not fast. Do not assume you are going to get some miracle healing if you ditch your medication and fast instead. Dead men fast forever, don’t make unhealthy decisions.
4. Menstruating women
It is forbidden according to Hadith for a woman in her time of the month to fast. Don’t starve yourself. Eat well to replenish lost energy from your body.
5. Travellers
I’m sure the traveller of the old is not the same as the traveller of now. You may not be walking long distances on foot or camelback under a scorching desert sun, but hey, a traveller is a traveller, you can choose not to fast if you are travelling a long journey.
Don’t be too hard on yourself because of the fast.
Breaking your fast because of forgetfulness makes your fast valid, it is only invalid if the break was deliberate.
You can make up for lost days later.
