ROMEO
29-10-2003, 09:27 PM
The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the 'five pillars' of Islam." 2 Muslims who fall within one of the following categories may elect to not observe the fast:
Children under the age of puberty.
People who are mentally incapacitated or not responsible for their actions.
The elderly.
The sick.
Travelers who are on journeys of more than about fifty miles.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Women who are menstruating.
Those who are temporarily unable to fast must make up the missed days at another time, or feed the poor.
Young children are encouraged to fast as much as they are able. 2
Muslims may engage in a number of activities during Ramadan:
Some read the entire Qur'an.
Taraweeh prayers are said every evening during Ramadan.
Muhammad observed Al-I'etikaaf (retreat) during the last ten days of Ramadan. Some contemporary Muslims do the same by staying in the mosque over a number of days. They store provisions in a corner of the mosque, and engage in spiritual pursuits, such as prayer, recitation of the Qur'an, glorification of Allah, studying the Hadith, etc. 3
Children under the age of puberty.
People who are mentally incapacitated or not responsible for their actions.
The elderly.
The sick.
Travelers who are on journeys of more than about fifty miles.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Women who are menstruating.
Those who are temporarily unable to fast must make up the missed days at another time, or feed the poor.
Young children are encouraged to fast as much as they are able. 2
Muslims may engage in a number of activities during Ramadan:
Some read the entire Qur'an.
Taraweeh prayers are said every evening during Ramadan.
Muhammad observed Al-I'etikaaf (retreat) during the last ten days of Ramadan. Some contemporary Muslims do the same by staying in the mosque over a number of days. They store provisions in a corner of the mosque, and engage in spiritual pursuits, such as prayer, recitation of the Qur'an, glorification of Allah, studying the Hadith, etc. 3