Who is Exempt from Fasting In Ramadan? A Complete 2026 Guide

Have you ever walked into a room and seen a Muslim eating, even though you know it’s Ramadan? ARE THEY NOT FASTING!?!

Yes, Ramadan is a sacred month in which Muslims observe fasting but there are some Muslims who are exempted from fasting during this Holy Month. 

يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ

Allah ﷻ emphasises that He “intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”

Qur’an

In this spirit of ease, Islam provides clear exemptions for individuals who may face harm or undue hardship by fasting. This guide offers a detailed breakdown of who is exempt from fasting in Ramadan, clarifying the difference between making up fasts (Qada’) and paying compensation (Fidyah).

Who is exempt from fasting during Ramadan?

The Quran states that fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically and mentally capable of doing so. However, there are some exemptions. 

The exemptions from fasting fall into two main categories: temporary situations, which require the fast to be made up later, and permanent or long-term situations, which require a different form of compensation.

These include:

Temporary Exemptions (Requiring Qada’ – Making Up Fasts)

• The Sick (Temporary Illness): Individuals suffering from a short-term illness, like a fever, flu, or infection, where fasting could worsen their condition or delay recovery, are exempt. This is based on direct medical advice and personal experience.
• The Traveller (Musafir): According to most Islamic scholars, a person travelling a significant distance (generally considered around 85 kilometres or 53 miles) is permitted to skip their fast. The intention is to alleviate the hardship associated with travel.
• Women During Menstruation (Hayd) and Post-Natal Bleeding (Nifas): Women are not permitted to fast while menstruating or during the period of post-natal bleeding. It is an obligation for them to miss the fasts during these times and make them up later.
• Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman fears for her own health or the health of her child (fetus or infant), she is exempt from fasting. This decision should ideally be made in consultation with a medical professional.

Permanent or Long-Term Exemptions (Requiring Fidyah)

• The Chronically Ill: This includes individuals with long-term conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or other serious illnesses where fasting is medically unsafe. A trusted Muslim doctor’s advice is paramount here.
• The Elderly and Frail: Seniors for whom fasting presents an unreasonable physical hardship or health risk are exempt.
• Individuals with Certain Mental Health Conditions: Those with severe mental health conditions that render them incapable of understanding or performing the act of fasting, or for whom fasting would dangerously exacerbate their condition, are exempt.

Individuals Not Yet Obligated to Fast

• Children Who Have Not Reached Puberty: Fasting becomes obligatory for Muslims once they have reached the age of puberty. Children are not required to fast, though many are encouraged to practice by fasting for half-days or a few full days to prepare them for the future.

Why are they exempt?

The exemptions are intended to make fasting easier for those who are not physically or mentally capable of doing so. Fasting can be physically demanding, and exemptions allow Muslims to prioritise their health and well-being while still fulfilling their religious obligations. Islam is a religion of balance and recognises the physical and emotional capabilities for each person and hence contains such accommodations. 

What to Do if You Miss a Fast: Qada’ vs. Fidyah Explained

Making Up Missed Fasts (Qada’)

Those who are exempt from fasting during Ramadan are required to make up for missed fasts at a later time. 

وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

The Quran states, “And whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe the fast must be made up] from other days.”

Qur’an

This means that those who are exempt from fasting during Ramadan must make up for missed fasts when they are able to do so, outside of the month of Ramadan. 

Paying Fidyah (Compensation)

Fidyah provides an alternative for those who are unable to fast due to a chronic illness or permanent health condition, allowing them to give charity in place of fasting. 

• What is Fidyah? It is a donation made to feed a person in need for every day of fasting that is missed in Ramadan.
• How is the amount of Fidyah calculated for 2026? The amount is based on the value of a meal. This figure can vary by country and organisation. It is best to consult a trusted local charity, like Al-Ihsan Foundation, for the precise rate for the year.
• How to pay Fidyah? You can pay for it through reputable Islamic charities that will distribute the food to those who are eligible.

فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌۭ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍۢ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

The Qur’an states. “But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then let them fast an equal number of days after Ramadan. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty,  compensation can be made by feeding a needy person for every day not fasted. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.” 

Qur’an

The rules of fasting in Ramadan are a perfect reflection of Islam’s balance between devotion and compassion. The existence of exemptions is not a loophole but a divinely ordained mercy (rahmah) from Allah, acknowledging the diverse circumstances of human life.

Understanding whether your situation requires you to make up the fast later (Qada’) or pay the Fidyah is a vital part of observing Ramadan correctly. Always prioritise your health, consult medical professionals when needed, and embrace the ease that Allah has intended for you.

Written by Aishah Navaid