One of the 5 fundamental rituals of Islam is fasting during the month of Ramadan. Islamic fasting requires abstinence from food, water, smoking and sexual intercourse between
dawn and sunset. Different schools of Islamic teachings have different views on the effect of illness on fasting ranging from prohibiting fasting to leaving the option to fast to the believers. Thus, fasting is not mandatory for those who are unwell or when adverse to their health. However, despite this, many Muslim patients still choose to fast despite recommendations to the contrary by their physicians or religious leaders.
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