Understanding Exemptions from Fasting During Ramadan 2024 in the UAE
Understanding Exemptions from Fasting During Ramadan 2024 in the UAE
As Ramadan approaches in the UAE, it's crucial to clarify the exemptions from fasting prescribed by Islam. Amidst common misconceptions, the religion offers clear provisions, providing flexibility to individuals facing certain circumstances. Here are six categories of people exempt from fasting during Ramadan, elucidating the nuances and conditions associated with each exemption.
Ramadan 2024 brings with it a period of fasting for residents in the UAE, with days spanning approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes initially, gradually extending to about 14 hours and 25 minutes by the end of the holy month. However, amidst religious practices and customs, numerous misconceptions surround fasting, particularly concerning who is required to fast and who is exempt.
Islam has delineated clear provisions, offering flexibility to individuals undergoing specific situations. Understanding these exemptions is paramount to fostering a comprehensive understanding of Ramadan practices in the UAE.
1. Physical Illness
Individuals experiencing temporary illness are exempt from fasting for the duration of their illness. Once recovered, they must compensate for missed fasts during the holy month. However, those with terminal illnesses, rendering fasting impossible, are exempt without the obligation to make up for missed days. Instead, they are required to provide financial or in-kind donations to feed the needy.
2. Mental Illness and Old Age
Those suffering from mental illnesses affecting cognitive functioning and elderly individuals with frail health are exempt from fasting. They are permitted to provide donations to compensate for missed fasts.
3. Travellers
Travellers meeting specific conditions, such as continuous travel or non-sinful travel purposes, are exempt from fasting. However, they must make up for missed days later.
4. Menstruating, Pregnant, and Breastfeeding Women
Women experiencing menstruation, post-natal bleeding, pregnancy, or breastfeeding are exempt from fasting if it poses a risk to their health or the health of their child. They can compensate for missed fasts later or provide donations to feed the needy.
5. Coercion
Individuals compelled to break their fast due to life-threatening situations imposed by others may do so, with the obligation to make up for it later.
6. Unbearable Hunger and Thirst
In cases of unbearable hunger and thirst that may endanger life, individuals are permitted to break their fast, with the requirement to compensate for it later.
Understanding these exemptions is essential for fostering inclusivity and awareness within the UAE community during Ramadan. By elucidating the nuances of fasting exemptions, individuals can navigate religious practices with greater clarity and understanding, fostering a spirit of compassion and inclusivity within the community.
By: Sahiba Suri
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