He who is free from fasting

Our country today has begun the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan during which Muslims fast.

Though fasting is prescribed for you, there are among the people who are free from obligation.

The elderly, the physically sick, and the mentally ill are set free from fasting. Also excluded from fasting are pregnant women, women during menstruation, and women who breast - feed their newborns

In some Muslim communities, people who do not fast during Ramadan are expected to compensate for this absence, feeding the poor and needy during sympiary and iftar meals.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, Islamists fast from sunrise to sunset. During fasting, they do not consume any food or drink, and thoughts should be kept clean.

The followers of Islam believe that fasting helps Muslims learn patience, modesty and brings spiritual benefits

Food meals are served before sunrise and after sundown, and they are referred to as systhetics and iftars respectively and are eaten with family or local communities.

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, so each year comes about two weeks early.