Q: I converted 1 week ago today. I am wondering if I can forgo Ramadan this year? I have done two days and it was amazing, really really spiritual for me. But I feel like being a new Muslim, I am learning so much and it is so that I have a migrane right now and am not sleeping because I feel like im going to be sick. Its not just to fasting, I am learning so much about my new faith that I feel overwhelmed. Is it ok if I dont fast, but spend this month learning my faith, reading Quran? Thank you so much :) amber Thank you so much for your kind answers. Dj conquest, I will ask Allah, you are right. And I should choose a Muslim name I like Ahdia. It means Unique.
A: Fasting is a RIGHTEOUS act, just as other righteous acts e.g. salat, charity, obligatory charity, Pilgrimage, etc. The act is Solely for God. There are NO wide range of rules related to fasting. It is relatively simple. Just 3 or 4 basic rules e.g. 1- Starts from the time of Fajr and ends with the sunset. 2- No sexual activity while fasting. 3- Trying to abstain from bad behavior and sins. There is perhaps nothing besides these simple rules. And remember it is ONLY for God. Therefore its recompense is simply tremendous. Because for this time you are dedicated to God Alone. Also, you can break your fast if: 1- It gets difficult for you. 2- No need to fast, if you are sick or can fall sick due to fasting. God does not wish hardship for us. 3- While on journey (because you may be in hardship and fasting may be difficult for you). 4- If you break the fast, or are unable to fast due to any circumstances, you may compensate by fasting in OTHER days (after Ramadan, as per your choice) OR you for each fast, you may atone by feeding one needy person with the food (or equivalent amount) that you yourself consume. -------------------- These are perhaps the most basic and the ONLY rules for fasting. There are no other rules besides them.