The fast of Ramadan means abstaining from food and water from dawn to sunset, as the Quran commands. For healthy adults it is safe, and Islam excuses anyone for whom it would be harmful.
The fuller answer
Fasting for 12 to 17 hours during a month, with a meal before dawn and a meal at sunset, is practised by a quarter of the world with no harm to healthy people. Research on intermittent fasting indicates that it is safe for most healthy adults.
Islam does not want harm: the Quran says that God wants ease for you and not hardship. Those who are ill, elderly and frail, travelling, or pregnant and breastfeeding may skip it and make up the days later or, if they are permanently unable, feed a poor person for each day. Someone with diabetes or other conditions should follow their doctor's advice. In an emergency, drinking water to save a life is required.
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
This answer follows the mainstream Sunni understanding and is general learning, not a fatwa. Where Muslims differ, the answer says so. Have a question of your own? Write to us.
