Indian Muslim children offer prayers prior to breaking their fast during of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Anees-Ul-Ghurba orphanage in Hyderabad (NOAH SEELAM/AFP/Getty Images).
Indian Muslim children offer prayers prior to breaking their fast during of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Anees-Ul-Ghurba orphanage in Hyderabad (NOAH SEELAM/AFP/Getty Images)One of the most well known elements of Ramadan is the concept of fasting during daylight hours.Those who engage in the month of Ramadan believe that fasting will absolve them of their past sins.It is a founding principle of Islam, and it is obligatory for people who follow the religion to fast during these times.Many rules come with following the Ramadan fast – here is everything you need to know. Who can and can’t fast during Ramadan? AdvertisementWomen who are menstruating shouldn’t fast during the days they are on their periods, but must compensate at a later date.People who are old and unwell, so cannot fast, must perform fidiya – which involves feeding someone each day the fast is missed.If women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and believe Ramadan would have an adverse effect on themselves or their child, they can choose not to observe the fast – but they must fast after Ramadan is over, or perform fidiya for each day Ramadan wasn’t engaged in. What can make a fast invalid?