How does fasting during Ramadan affect the sick?
THE sacred month of Ramadan begins this weekend, posing a particular challenge for Irish Muslims in our long hours of daylight. From tomorrow to July 27, Ireland’s 49,000 Muslims are expected to abstain from food, fluids and sex from sunrise to sunset. They are encouraged to offer additional prayers and increase their charity offerings to the poor.
Ramadan is considered the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar and no Muslim is exempt, except the sick, those who are travelling and pregnant women whose babies may be put at risk as a result of the fast. However, they are expected to make up the fast days they miss during the year when they can.
