Fasting FAQ — children, pregnancy, illness, and travel (Part 1)

Answer

**Q: Does a minor have to fast?** A: Fasting is not obligatory on a child. However, children should be encouraged to fast per their ability, to inculcate within them the spirit of fasting.

**Q: Does a pregnant woman have to fast?** A: By default, yes. However, if illness or harm is genuinely feared for herself or the foetus, she is excused. Qadha is required after Ramadaan.

**Q: Does a sick person have to fast?** A: A sick person is excused if there is genuine reason to believe the illness will intensify or recovery will be prolonged due to fasting. Qadha is required after Ramadaan.

**Q: Can a traveller omit fasting?** A: A shar'i musafir (traveller) who embarked before dawn (Subah Saadiq) is permitted to omit the fast of that day, though it is better to keep it if the journey is not difficult. Qadha is required after Ramadaan. If the journey commences after dawn, the fast of that day must be completed.

*And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.*