Fast - exemptions

Exemptions, while not prohibitions, are granted for good reason

"The Universal House of Justice has clarified that the provisions in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas granting exemptions from certain duties and responsibilities are, as the word indicates, exemptions and not prohibitions. Any believer is, therefore, free to avail himself or herself of an applicable exemption if he or she so wishes. However, the House of Justice counsels that, in deciding whether to do so or not, the believer should use wisdom and realize that Bahá'u'lláh has granted these exemptions for good reason."

(Notes to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, no. 20)

The believer may ask the advice of the Assembly as to circumstances (though not required to do so)

The believer is free, however, to ask the advice of his Assembly as to the circumstances that would justify him to conscientiously break such a fast. But he is by no means required to do so."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 9, 1937, in Lights of Guidance, no. 776)

Exemptions

(bold quoted headings are from within IV.B.5 of the Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

"a. Travellers"

All aspects of the fasting laws (including the definition of travelers) are now fully applicable in the entire Bahá'í world

"The friends have long been familiar with the great importance which Baha'u'llah attaches to...the observance of the fast, but a number of aspects of the law, such as those concerning...travelling...remained to be made universally applicable. This step is now taken. Thus all elements of the laws dealing with...fasting are, without any exception, now applicable."

(Universal House of Justice, Dec. 28, 1999)

The requirements for the exemption for travelers had formerly not been applied in the West

(now altered by the above statement)

"Thank you for your letter of 4 March 1974 enclosing the enquiry from the Bahá'í Group of Ísafjürdur. It has become apparent from a number of questions we have received that many believers are not clear which are those laws already binding upon the Bahá'ís in the West. We therefore feel it is timely to clarify the situation, and the simplest way is to state those laws listed in the "Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas" which are not at present binding upon the friends in the western world. For ease of reference we give the numbers of the sections listed...IV.B.5.a The definition of travellers for the purpose of exemption from fasting. Instead of these definitions the believers in the West should observe the following guidance given by the beloved Guardian's secretary on his behalf: "travellers are exempt from fasting, but if they want to fast while they are travelling, they are free to do so. You are exempt the whole period of your travel, not just the hours you are in a train or car, etc....""

(Universal House of Justice, June 9, 1974)

Travelers are exempt from the Fast

"The traveller, the ailing, those who are with child or giving suck, are not bound by the Fast; they have been exempted by God as a token of His grace."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 16)

(Reiterated in Note 31 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

Travellers may fast if they wish, however

"Travellers are exempt from fasting, but if they want to fast while they are travelling, they are free to do so."

((On behalf of?) Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 29; reiterated in Note 30 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

Travelers exempt the whole period of their travel

"You are exempt the whole period of your travel, not just the hours you are in a train or car, etc...."

((On behalf of?) Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 29; reiterated in Note 30 of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas)

"i. Provided the journey exceeds 9 hours."

"22. QUESTION: Concerning the definition of a journey. {"This relates to the minimum duration of a journey which exempts the traveller from fasting"}

"ANSWER: The definition of a journey is nine hours by the clock..." (continued in iii. below)

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Question and Answer no. 22)

"ii. Those travelling on foot, provided the journey exceeds 2 hours."

"75. QUESTION: Concerning the limit of fasting for someone travelling on foot.

"ANSWER: The limit is set at two hours. If this is exceeded, it is permissible to break the Fast."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Question and Answer no. 75)

"iii. Those who break their journey for less than 19 days."

"...Should the traveller stop in a place, anticipating that he will stay there for no less than one month by the Bayán reckoning, it is incumbent on him to keep the Fast; but if for less than one month, he is exempt from fasting..." (continued in iv. below)

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Question and Answer no. 22)

"He (the Guardian) feels that if you consider it too much of a strain to keep the Fast you should not do so. Bahá'u'lláh has exempted people who are travellers at the time; if you could keep it the days you are not travelling, and thus partake of its bounty, it would be advisable, but it is not essential."

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Unfolding Destiny, 18 February 1950, p. 457)

"iv. Those who break their journey during the Fast at a place where they are to stay 19 days are exempt from fasting only for the first three days from their arrival."

"...If he arriveth during the Fast at a place where he is to stay one month according to the Bayán, he should not observe the Fast till three days have elapsed, thereafter keeping it throughout the remainder of its course;..." (continued in v. below)

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Question and Answer no. 22)

(Note: The above only applies if the traveller is still away from home. If they reach home (even if they are to be leaving again in under 19 days?--see iii. above), they are to resume fasting from the day of their arrival. See v. below)

"v. Those who reach home during the Fast must commence fasting from the day of their arrival."

"...but if he come to his home, where he hath heretofore been permanently resident, he must commence his fast upon the first day after his arrival."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Question and Answer no. 22)

Application Questions

1. Does the statement of the Guardian that one is exempt the whole period of one's travel still apply in determining how long a journey is (i.e., whether it would still be considered a journey permitting an exemption for fasting if one has travelled only one hour on foot or say 6 hours by plane and yet has not yet returned home or who makes a stop after such a short period and then resumes traveling some time thereafter)? If not, and the intention of the exemption is not so much as to relieve those traveling with some inconveniences (e.g., those staying at a location for a short time only but who will be moving around shortly) as to relieve individuals who are making arduous journeys, then why is the exemption applicable for such a long time (up to 19 days for those who are staying at their destination up to this amount of time), but only for those iniitally spending a lot of time on route to their destination (i.e., over 2 hours on foot or 9 hours by other means)?
2. If one returns home after embarking on such a journey (of 2 hours plus by foot or 9 hours plus by other means) yet one believes they will be leaving again before 19 days elapse, is one exempt for all those days (as in iii. above) or must one resume one's fast the day after one arrives at home?

"b. Those who are ill." (or weak or injured)

Sources: Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 10 (excerpt below) and 16, Note 14 and 31, Question and Answer no. 93 (below)

Those weak from illness, weakness, or injury are exempted from fasting

"We have commanded you to pray and fast from the beginning of maturity; this is ordained by God, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers. He hath exempted from this those who are weak from illness or age, as a bounty from His Presence, and He is the Forgiving, the Generous..."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 10)

"The traveller, the ailing, those who are with child or giving suck, are not bound by the Fast; they have been exempted by God as a token of His grace. He, verily, is the Almighty, the Most Generous."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 16)

"In clear cases of weakness, illness, or injury the law of the Fast is not binding. This injunction is in conformity with the precepts of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Well is it with them who act accordingly."

(Bahá'u'lláh, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, sec. I, no. 20)

One may not fast if in times of ill health

"QUESTION: Concerning fasting and obligatory prayer by the sick.

"ANSWER: In truth, I say that obligatory prayer and fasting occupy an exalted station in the sight of God. It is, however, in a state of health that their virtue can be realized. In time of ill-health it is not permissible to observe these obligations; such hath been the bidding of the Lord, exalted be His glory, at all times. Blessed be such men and women as pay heed, and observe His precepts. All praise be unto God, He who hath sent down the verses and is the Revealer of undoubted proofs!"

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas Question and Answer no. 93)

"The law of the Fast is ordained for those who are sound and healthy; as to those who are ill or debilitated, this law hath never been nor is now applicable."

(Bahá'u'lláh, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, sec. I, no. 21)

One should consult the best doctor if one is not sure whether fasting would be bad for their health (but it is generally very good for health and becomes easier to do)

(See also section Fast - rigors of on how the rigors of laws of fasting have being abated in this age)

"As to your question regarding the Fast: If there is any doubt in the mind of a person as to whether it will really be bad for that person's health to keep it, the best doctor's advice should be obtained. But generally speaking most people can keep it, anywhere in the world, with no detriment to their health. It is very good for the health and, once one forms the habit, each year it becomes easier to keep, unless one is rundown. No one is obliged to keep it if it really harms them."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, April 14, 1947 ; quoted in Lights of Guidance, no. 778)

"If, however, you find your health affected by keeping the Fast the Guardian would advise you to consult a physician, and if he tells you you are unable to fast then of course, you should abstain from doing so."

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, letter to an individual dated May 1943, Unfolding Destiny, p. 440)

"...the friends should realize Baha'u'llah never would have instituted it {the Fast} if it were detrimental to the health."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 21, 1946 ; quoted in Lights of Guidance, no. 777)

One may fast if one recovers one's health, but the Fast is only for the month set aside for it

"If during the Fast period a person falls ill and is unable to fast, but recovers before the Fast period is over, he can start to Fast again and continue until the end. Of course the Fast, as you know, can only be kept during the month set aside for that purpose."

(On behalf of? Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 29; also in Principles of Bahá'í Administration, pp. 9-10 ; quoted in Lights of Guidance, no. 780)

"c. Those who are over 70."

Sources: Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 10 (excerpt below), Note 14, Question and Answer no. 74 (below)

"Regarding the nineteen-day fast: Its observance has been enjoined by Baha'u'llah upon all the believers, once they attain the age of fifteen and until they reach seventy...The command of Baha'u'llah is universal, irrespective of any variance in the age of maturity in different countries and among different peoples.

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 9, 1937; quoted in Lights of Guidance, no. 776)

Those weak from age are exempted from fasting

"We have commanded you to pray and fast from the beginning of maturity; this is ordained by God, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers. He hath exempted from this those who are weak from illness or age, as a bounty from His Presence, and He is the Forgiving, the Generous..."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 10)

The definition of old age is 70 for the people of Bahá

"Question: Concerning the definition of old age.

"Answer: To the Arabs it denoteth the furthest extremity of old age, but for the people of Bahá it is from the age of seventy."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas Question and Answer no. 74)

Those over 70 are exempt even if they are not weak

"...In answer to a question, Shoghi Effendi has clarified that people who attain the age of seventy are exempt, whether or not they are weak."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, note 14)

Those over 70 may fast if one desires and is strong enough, however

"The age limit is 70 years, but if one desires to fast after the age limit is passed, and is strong enough to, one is free to do so."

(On behalf of? Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 29, also in Lights of Guidance, no. 780)

"d. Women who are with child."

Sources: Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 16, Note 31

"e. Women who are nursing."

Sources: Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 16, Note 31

"f. Women in their courses, provided they perform their ablutions and repeat a specifically revealed verse 95 times a day."

(see also substitution verse for women)

Sources: Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 13 (below), Note 20)

Women may perform ablutions then recite "Glorified be God, the Lord of Splendour and Beauty" 95 times from each noon to the next during their courses instead of fasting

"God hath exempted women who are in their courses from obligatory prayer and fasting. Let them, instead, after performance of their ablutions, give praise unto God, repeating ninety-five times between the noon of one day and the next "Glorified be God, the Lord of Splendour and Beauty". Thus hath it been decreed in the Book, if ye be of them that comprehend."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, par. 13)

An antecedent for this provision was in the Arabic Bayán

"Exemption from obligatory prayer and fasting is granted to women who are menstruating; they should, instead, perform their ablutions (see note 34) and repeat 95 times a day between one noon and the next, the verse "Glorified be God, the Lord of Splendour and Beauty". This provision has its antecedent in the Arabic Bayán, where a similar dispensation was granted."

(Notes to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, no. 20)

From the Bayán

"When the women have their courses, neither prayer, nor fasting is obligatory on them. They must needs only perform their ablutions and recite 95 times from midday to midday the verse of God as follows: "God is the Pure! He is the Lord of Splendour and Beauty."

(8th Unity, a rough translation from the French translation at http://www.bahai-biblio.org/centre-doc/saint/bayan/bayan-arabe2.htm )

The exemption for women is not due to the concept of uncleanness (which has been abolished by Bahá'u'lláh)

"In some earlier religious Dispensations, women in their courses were considered ritually unclean and were forbidden to observe the duties of prayer and fasting. The concept of ritual uncleanness has been abolished by Bahá'u'lláh (see note 106)."

(Notes to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, no. 20)

(Oral traditions in Islám expound on this as pertains to fasting)

(Note: The Baha'i Faith does not accept such oral traditions (such as follow below) as reliably valid unless confirmed by authoritative Text)

(See Sahih Muslim, The Book of Menstruation (Kitab Al-Haid), Book 3, no. 662 on how women were prevented from fasting during their courses, though they were to make them up later.)

(See also Sahih Bukhari, Menstrual Periods, Book 6, no. 301)

Biblical References

Leviticus 15 speaks to ritual uncleanliness, but does not refer to prayer or fasting

The law (including the conditions for the exemption for women in their courses) is now fully applicable in the entire Bahá'í world

"The friends have long been familiar with the great importance which Baha'u'llah attaches to...the observance of the fast, but a number of aspects of the law...remained to be made universally applicable. This step is now taken. Thus all elements of the laws dealing with...fasting are, without any exception, now applicable."

(Universal House of Justice, Dec. 28, 1999)

The requirements for the exemption for women in their courses had formerly not been applied in the West

(since altered by the above statement)

"Thank you for your letter of 4 March 1974 enclosing the enquiry from the Bahá'í Group of Ísafjürdur. It has become apparent from a number of questions we have received that many believers are not clear which are those laws already binding upon the Bahá'ís in the West. We therefore feel it is timely to clarify the situation, and the simplest way is to state those laws listed in the "Synopsis and Codification of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas" which are not at present binding upon the friends in the western world. For ease of reference we give the numbers of the sections listed...IV.B.5.f The law regarding the exemption from fasting granted to women in their courses."

(Universal House of Justice, June 9, 1974)

"g. Those who are engaged in heavy labour, who are advised to show respect for the law by using discretion and restraint when availing themselves of the exemption."

Sources: Kitáb-i-Aqdas Question and Answer, no. 76, Note 31

Hard work such as working in heavy industries grants an exception to fasting

"In the 'Aqdas' Baha'u'llah permits certain exceptions to this general obligation of fasting, among them are included those who do hard work, such as workers in heavy industries.

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 9, 1937; quoted in Lights of Guidance, no. 776)

The type of work constituting heavy labour is to be defined by the Universal House of Justice.

"Shoghi Effendi has indicated that the types of work which would exempt people from the Fast will be defined by the Universal House of Justice."

(Kitáb-i-Aqdas Note no. 31)

Those taking the exemption for hard work should eat with frugality and in private

"76. QUESTION: Concerning observance of the Fast by people engaged in hard labour during the month of fasting.

"ANSWER: Such people are excused from fasting; however, in order to show respect to the law of God and for the exalted station of the Fast, it is most commendable and fitting to eat with frugality and in private."

(Bahá'u'lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Question and Answer, no. 76)

If a military school would not allow someone to observe the Fast, one must obey them (though one should make every effort to obtain permission)

"With reference to your son's request for advice regarding the observance of the Baha'i fast: Much as the Guardian realizes the difficulty which a believer of his position, attending a military school, will have to encounter if he wishes to strictly conform to the regulations of the fast, he nevertheless would advise him to make every effort to obtain from the school authorities the necessary permission. In case his request is refused the only alternative for him would be to obey his superiors."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, October 27, 1938, in Lights of Guidance, no. 783)

One is to persist with the Fast unless doing so would agitate enemies (or be dangerous or unwise) and cause dissension (or if an insurmountable obstacle presents itself)

"In the realm of worship, fasting and obligatory prayer constitute the two mightiest pillars of God's holy Law. Neglecting them is in no wise permitted, and falling short in their performance is of a certainty not acceptable. In the Tablet of Visitation He saith: "I beseech God, by Thee and by them whose faces have been illumined with the splendours of the light of Thy countenance, and who, for love of Thee, have observed all whereunto they were bidden." 2 He declareth that observance of the commands of God deriveth from love for the beauty of the Best-Beloved. The seeker, when immersed in the ocean of the love of God, will be moved by intense longing and will arise to carry out the laws of God. Thus, it is impossible that a heart which containeth the fragrance of God's love should yet fail to worship Him, except under conditions when such an action would agitate the enemies and stir up dissension and mischief. Otherwise, a lover of the Abhá Beauty will assuredly and continually demonstrate perseverance in the worship of the Lord."

2. "I beseech God ... were bidden," translated by Shoghi Effendi; see Prayers and Meditations by Bahá'u'lláh, CLXXX

('Abdu'l-Bahá, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, sec. 2, no. 2)

"The laws of God, such as fasting, obligatory prayer and the like, as well as His counsels regarding virtues, good deeds and proper conduct, must be carried out everywhere to the extent possible, unless some insurmountable obstacle or some great danger presents itself or it runneth counter to the dictates of wisdom. For indolence and laxity hinder the outpourings of love from the clouds of divine mercy, and people will thus remain deprived."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting, sec. 2, no. 4)

Those who are less than 15 years of age

See Fast - applicability of

See also

• Fast - making up
• Fasting