Fasting Options for the Elderly in Ramadan
Interpretation of AlmightyAllah's (سبحانه وتعالى) saying: “And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed.” [Surah
Al-Baqarah, 2: 184]
From ‘Abdul ‘Aziz ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Baaz to His Royal Highness Prince Salman ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz, governor of Riyadh
As-salamu ‘alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)
I am writing to you regarding your oral question about the interpretation of the verse, in which Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says, “And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But, whoever do es good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 184] Since your Highness asked me to present the answer in writing, it is my pleasure to respond to your request. Exegetes (تعالى رحمهم الله) mentioned that when Allah (عز وجل) legislated fasting Ramadan, He (عز وجل) allowed His Servants to choose between breaking the fast and feeding (poor persons), or fasting. However, He (عز وجل) clarified that fasting is better. Hence, whoever breaks his fasting while he be able to fast has to feed a poor person (for each day) - knowing that if he feeds more than one person it would be better for him - without making up for the missed days of fasting. However, it is still better for him that he fasts, since Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says, “And that you fast is better for you if only you know.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 184] As for the sick people and travellers, they are permitted to break their fast and make up for the missed days, as Allah (عز وجل) says, “but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 184] Afterwards, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) abrogated the previous rulings and obligated fasting Ramadan on every sane, adult, healthy and resident person. Besides, He (عز وجل) permitted the sick people and travellers to break their fast, but they must make up for the missed days; as He (سبحانه وتعالى) says, “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’ân, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allâh intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allâh [i.e. to say Takbîr (Allâhu Akbar; Allâh is the Most Great] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 185] Feeding (a poor person for each day) is only permitted for the elderly people who are unable to fast, as it was authentically reported from Ibn ‘Abbas, Anas ibn Malik and a group of the Companions and righteous predecessors (رضی اللہ عنھم). Al-Bukhari also reported in his Sahih on the authority of Salamah ibn Al-Akwa’ (رضي الله عنه) the abrogation of the honourable verse in which Almighty Allah (عز وجل) says, “And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskîn (poor person) (for every day).” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 184] ...
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