Quora Answer: Which Muslims are Religiously Exempt from Fasting during Ramadhan?

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Who among Muslims are religiously exempt from fasting during Ramadhan?” 

Islamic jurisprudence is based on common sense.  The fast of Ramadhan is not meant to be a death sentence.  If fasting has a debilitating effect on your health, it is haram to fast.  If you are unable to fast due to health reasons, and these conditions are temporary, you have to make up the fast once you are able.  If the condition is chronic, then there is no requirement to make up the fast.  People who are required to be on medication are also exempt from fasting as long as that requirement persists. 

Also, women who have are menstruating may not fast.  Women who are in the late stages of pregnancy are exempt from the fast, should they choose not to, or should it affect the health of the mother or child.  They have to make up the fast once able. 

Travellers have the option to exempt themselves from the fast.  They have to make it up once they have ceased travelling. 

Muslims who have not reached puberty need not fast.  Muslims who have lost control of their faculties, such as through a mental condition, are exempt from the fast.  Should they regain control of their senses, they have to make up the fast.