Fasting during Ramadan is a structured discipline, originating in the Qur'an, that aims not at physical deprivation but at obtaining righteousness. The Qur'an introduces fasting with a clear purpose which is "...fasting has been decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you, perhaps you may be righteous" (2:183).
This verse establishes fasting as a means of spiritual elevation, a practice designed to encourage self‑restraint and promote God‑consciousness. It is not simply about enduring hunger, but about refining a persons character.
2:183O you who believe, fasting has been decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you, perhaps you may be righteous.
What is fasting
Fasting in its essence is abstinence. The Qur'an gives the example of Mary, who after giving birth to Jesus, was told to "...eat and drink and be content. If you see any mortal, then say, 'I have vowed an abstinence for the Merciful, so I will not talk today to any of mankind'." (19:26).
In the case of Ramadan, the fast decreed for the believers is abstention from food, drink, and marital intimacy. The nights of Ramadan remain open for these activities, but at dawn the fast begins. The Qur'an describes this moment with clarity when it says "...you may eat and drink until the white thread is distinct from the black thread of dawn; then you shall complete the fast until night..." (2:187). From dawn until sunset, abstention is required from all three things. For those in spiritual retreat, the discipline is even stricter regarding marital intimacy, as the Qur'an says "...do not approach them while you are devoted in the mosques..." (2:187).
What breaks the fast
The fast of Ramadan is broken by deliberate acts of eating, drinking, or engaging in marital intimacy during the daylight hours. Any intentional violation of these boundaries nullifies the fast for that day. This is not about accidents or forgetfulness. As Allah makes clear that "...you will be responsible for what your hearts deliberately intend..." (33:5). Thus, fasting is broken only by deliberate actions.
In addition, approaching one's spouse for intimacy while in spiritual retreat in the mosque is prohibited at all times, though food and drink may be consumed during the night hours. These are the limits set by Allah's revelation, and maintaining them is essential to fulfil Allah’s command to fast.
Exemptions
The Qur'an makes it clear that fasting is not intended to be an unbearable burden. Exemptions are granted for those who are ill or traveling, with the instruction that missed days may be made up later as an option to redeem the missed fast. This rule constitutes a postponement of the fast, as recovery from temporary illness or the end of the journey is anticipated. The Qur'an makes no distinction between temporary and permanent illness. If an illness exists or a person is travelling, the exemption applies and the person is not required to fast that day.
However, this exemption is not compulsory; a person may still choose to fast while traveling or when ill if they are physically able to do so. The principle behind this allowance is stated directly that "...Allah wants to bring you ease and not to bring you difficulty..." (2:185). This concept is powerfully reinforced by the Qur'an when it says "there is no burden on the blind, nor is there any burden on the cripple, nor is there any burden on the sick..." (48:17). This demonstrates that fasting is built upon mercy and practicality, ensuring that devotion never comes at the expense of physical well‑being.
For those going through menstruation, please see here for details.
Redemption for not fasting
The default position is to fast or the lesser option of "...feed a needy person..." (2:184) for each day of missed fast. These two options are for anyone who is not under exemption of illness or travel. If a person is under exemption, then that person is excused from any fasting or feeding a needy person as long as the exemption conditions are being met. Once the exemption conditions are no longer applicable, the person must then choose to either fast or feed a needy person for each day missed. By extension, those who are long-term ill, will always be under exemption and therefore will not be required to fast nor feed the needy, unless they make a recovery which then removes the exemption from them.
This is based on the literal meaning of the Arabic word 'yutiquna' in verse 2:184, which means 'those who are able to do it' (it is worth noting that this is often mistranslated by some as 'those who can fast with great difficulty.') This applies to all people who when able to fast, choose not to fast.
For such individuals, the alternative is to "...feed a needy person..." (2:184). However, this compensation is only for those who can afford to do so. If a person is unable to pay this compensation, their only remaining option is to perform the fasts. This principle of financial capacity is established by the instruction that "the rich shall provide support in accordance with his means, and the poor shall provide according to the means that Allah bestowed upon him. Allah does not burden any soul more than He has given it. Allah will provide ease after difficulty (65:7). This reinforces that "...a soul is not burdened except with what it can bear..." (2:233).
This one‑for‑one measure is the minimum requirement for those who choose to not fast. However, the Qur'an also allows for voluntary generosity when it says "...whoever does good voluntarily, then it is better for him..." (2:184). A believer may choose to feed more than one person per day missed, and such extra acts of charity bring greater reward. Yet even with this alternative, Allah reminds us that fasting itself remains superior when Allah clearly says "...if you fast it is better for you, if only you knew" (2:184).
Conclusion
The Qur'an shows that fasting in Ramadan is both discipline and mercy. It sets clear rules for what breaks the fast, gives exemptions for illness, travel, and hardship, and provides an alternative of feeding the needy for those who are able but choose not to fast. In every case, the balance is between devotion and ease. Still, Allah reminds us that fasting itself is the better path. Ramadan is therefore a time to practice self‑control, reflect, and strengthen one’s relationship with Allah.