Fortunate are those who can breathe the air of Ramadan. The people around the world long for the pious fasting month. They feel a closer connection with Allah in the month of Ramadan and feel him showering them with blessings.

The fasting month represents the dedication, persistence and faith of the Muslims around the world for their Almighty Allah. However, a lot of people due to myriad reasons are exempted from fasting. Whether it be an illness or any other reason, the Muslims can be exempted from doing the fasts. Nevertheless, they can still pay their regards in a different way to Allah.

So, before moving on to what you can do instead of fasts, let's see who can be excused from Ramadan.

Who All are Excused From Observing Fast During Ramadan?

The fasts during the month of Ramadan are obligatory for Muslims unless until in following conditions:

• Someone With Severe Illness
  People who are suffering from any mental or physical illness and are on medications can be exempted from observing fasts as this can further make their illness worse.
• Children
  Children who have not yet hit puberty can be withdrawn from fasts. However, they can choose to fast for half a day.
• Breastfeeding Mothers
  Similarly, breastfeeding mothers are also exempted from fasting as the babies require nutrition in this stage.
• Pregnant Women
  A pregnant woman is also not expected to fast as it can cause harm to the baby.
• Menstruating Women
  The hadith clearly mentions that menstruation women are forbidden from observing fast.

It is likely for the people to feel disappointed or sad for not observing fast in Ramadan. However, do not fret because Allah increases the rewards of every good deed done in this holy month. Not only fasting but your every deed makes a difference.

So, let us now see what you can do if you cannot fast during Ramadan.

5 Things to Do When You Cannot Fast During The Holy Month of Ramadan

• Cook For The Fasting Ones
  Do some charity by cooking generously for the fasting person and gain rewards of fasting in Ramadan. It is one of the easiest ways to gain the rewards of actual fasting. It is the generosity of the Almighty Allah who provides his disciples with alternatives to gain the reward of fasting despite the conditions. The Prophet Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani reported that Allah says “Whoever provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast with, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.”
  All we have to do is prepare or buy food for those who are fasting by keeping Allah in mind.
• Zikrullah (Remembering Allah)
  “Indeed, by remembering Allah, the hearts will find tranquillity.”
  (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)
  
  You can keep Allah in your intellect and heart throughout the day. You can also recite the majestic name ‘Allah’ repeatedly or recite the everlasting good deeds
  ‘Subhaanallah wal hamdulillaah wa laa ilaaha illallaah Allaahu Akbar.’
  Allah is free from imperfections; All praise is due to Allah; There is no true god except Allah; Allah is the Greatest.
  Or you can also recite the duas and quranic verses you know by heart. You are permitted to recite the Holy Quran in your mind without actually verbalising it. If not, you can also listen to the Quran recitations which are soothing to the ears.
• Selawat
  Apart from remembering Allah, another way to please Allah is by reciting the Selawat for the beloved Prophet Sayyidina Muhammad. The Selawat is so pure that it takes you to another world- a world that is guided by Allah. As for its benefits, you will gain the syafa’ah, that is, the intercession of the beloved Prophet.
• Sadaqah
  Sadaqah stands for charity. The entire month of Ramadan shows us the importance of charity. We can see people generously donating in this month as compared to other months due to the multiple rewards from Allah bestowed upon them. Even if you are unable to fast, you can still do sadaqah by donating support to the mosque or sponsoring food for people to break their fast online.
  
  Additionally. Sadaqah is not restricted to monetary donations, you can perform good deeds to help and ease the difficulties of people. It can even be as simple as a smile or putting some extra effort to do something thoughtful and brighten someone’s day.
• Do Not Sin
  The month of Ramadan is not just about fasting but it is also about refraining ourselves from our desires or committing sins in the month. The month of Ramadan teaches us to control ourselves. For instance, restraining yourself from backbiting, cursing, lying, or withholding sarcastic remarks is also a part of Ramadan.
  
  Make yourself occupied in just doing the good deeds so that your mind won’t wander to sins. Perform only good deeds even if you cannot fast in Ramadan. Also, sometimes we may not even know if we have committed a sin because it might be so voluntary, in that case just reciting Istighfar and asking for forgiveness from Allah.

Conclusion

Ramadan is all about having good intentions in mind, soul, and heart. It is about kneeling in front of Allah and controlling our desires. Follow the above steps if you are unable to fast and keep Allah in your mind. Also, make sure that you dress modestly in the month of Ramadan. You can check our collection of modest dresses at Boutique Nour Al Houda. Visit us here to discover our finest selection of modest clothing online.