Who Must Fast During Ramadan?
Scholar Verified
Written by: M. Hamza
Researcher: Ayesha Rahman
Reviewed by: Omar Abdullah
Last Review: 9 September 2026
Our Ramadan information is carefully examined by a qualified Islamic reviewer to help ensure that religious details, references, and guidance are presented accurately and responsibly.
Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty, is mentally sound, physically able, and not facing a valid exemption. This applies equally to men and women.
Allah says:
“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was prescribed for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah.”
Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183
The Basic Rule
Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim who meets all of these conditions:
- Is a Muslim
- Is sane (of sound mind)
- Has reached puberty (adulthood in Islam, usually around ages 12–15)
- Is physically able to fast (healthy enough to handle it)
If you meet all four, you must fast. If you don't, you fall into one of the exemption groups below.
Who MUST Fast?
- Healthy adult Muslims who are not traveling.
- Adult Muslims who are not sick.
- Women who are not menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding.
Basic Conditions for Fasting
A person is required to fast when they meet these conditions:
| Condition | What it means |
|---|---|
| Muslim | Ramadan fasting is an act of worship required from Muslims |
| Reached puberty | Fasting becomes compulsory after puberty, not at a fixed calendar age |
| Mentally sound | A person must be able to understand religious responsibility |
| Physically able | Fasting should not cause serious harm or worsen a medical condition |
| Resident | A traveller may postpone fasting and make up the days later |
| Free from temporary exemptions | Women who are menstruating or in post-natal bleeding do not fast during those days |
If you are in this group, fasting is required every single day of Ramadan. No excuses.
Who is EXEMPT (Allowed NOT to Fast)?
Islam makes exceptions for people who have valid reasons. These exemptions fall into two types:
Type 1: Temporary Excuse (Can't fast now, but must make up later)
These people are allowed to skip fasting during Ramadan, but they will need to make up the missed days later.
- People who are sick (with a temporary illness that would get worse if they fast).
- Travelers (on a long journey where fasting would be very hard).
- Pregnant women (if they fear fasting could harm themselves or their baby).
- Breastfeeding women (if they fear fasting could affect their milk or baby).
- Menstruating women (Islam forbids fasting during this time).
- Women with postnatal bleeding (Islam forbids fasting during this time).
These people do not fast during Ramadan. They are excused for now.
Type 2: Permanent Excuse (Never have to fast)
These people have a permanent reason and will never be able to fast. They don't have to make up the days later. Instead, they must pay a charity compensation called Fidyah (feeding one poor person for each missed day).
- The very elderly (too weak and frail to fast).
- People with chronic illnesses (e.g., severe diabetes, kidney disease) that make fasting dangerous or impossible.
These people are completely exempt from fasting. They only pay Fidyah instead.
Who Does NOT Have to Fast at All (No Obligation)?
These people have no obligation whatsoever—they don't fast and don't pay anything:
- Children (have not reached puberty yet).
- Non-Muslims (Islamic obligations do not apply).
- People with severe mental disabilities (they are not accountable in Islamic law).
Quick Summary Table
| Who are you? | Do you have to fast NOW? |
|---|---|
| Healthy adult (not traveling) | YES – Must fast. |
| Temporarily sick | NO – You are excused now. |
| Traveling | NO – You are excused now. |
| Menstruating / Postnatal bleeding | NO – You are excused now. |
| Pregnant / Breastfeeding (fearing harm) | NO – You are excused now. |
| Very elderly / Chronically ill | NO – You are permanently excused. (Pay Fidyah instead). |
| Child (under puberty) | NO – No obligation at all. |
The Bottom Line
If you are a healthy, sane adult Muslim who is not traveling, not sick, and not in a state of menstruation/postnatal bleeding → you MUST fast.
If you have a valid excuse (temporary) → you are allowed to skip.
If you have a permanent excuse → you are permanently excused (pay charity instead).
If you are a child or non-Muslim → no obligation at all.
Ramadan Calendar 360 — Your complete guide to Ramadan, Eid, and Islamic worship. Visit us at Ramadan Calendar 360 for prayer times, Ramadan calendars, and more.