Muslims hold to fasting rules

Some exceptions can be made during Ramadan.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Although a devout Muslim, Ruby Sous hasn’t fasted during Ramadan in two years.

Though a grave sin not to fast, allowances are made, and the Kansas City woman has fallen under two categories of exemptions: Two years ago she was pregnant; last year she was nursing.

While exceptions to one of the five pillars of Islam do exist, that does not mean nothing is expected of the devout.

To compensate, Sous sent meals to a shelter for the homeless for each of her non-fasting days. She also made up the time later in the year when the days were shorter.

This year, Sous is still nursing but said she wants “to push myself to fast.”

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar — which is lunar — drifts through the seasons. This year it began at sunset July 20.

During the month, all able-bodied Muslims after reaching puberty are required to abstain from food, drink (including water) and sexual relations from dawn to sunset.

“You are to restrain yourself from any pleasures,” Islamic scholar Mohamed Hilali said. He is director of the Islamic Center in Wichita, Kan., after working nine years at the Islamic School in Kansas City, Mo.

“The time should be spent on purifying your soul and spending more time reading and studying the Quran,” he said.

Among other exceptions to fasting during Ramadan, according to Hilali, are:

The feeble elderly, but they must offer at least one needy person an average full meal or its value per day. People that a doctor deems to be too ill. They are expected to fast once their conditions improve. For the chronically ill, they are to feed the poor.

Those traveling for business, involved in warfare or an industry vital to the nation. They are to make up for the days missed. Women who are menstruating, who also can make up the days later. Prisoners doing hard labor. They don’t have to make it up.

The mentally ill and others unaccountable for their actions.