The short answer
Fasting is required of adults who are physically able. Qur’an 2:184–185 exempts the ill and travellers, who make up the days later, and says that God intends ease, not hardship. Tradition extends accommodation to pregnant and nursing women, the elderly and chronically ill, and women during menstruation. Those who can never fast may feed a person in need for each day instead.
A little more context
Children are not required to fast until puberty, though many practise with shorter fasts as they grow older, often with pride. Anyone whose health would be harmed by fasting should not fast; doctors and religious teachers are consulted together. No one is expected to injure themselves in worship.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 2:184-185 Exemptions and the intention of ease.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1946 It is not righteousness to fast while travelling in hardship.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.