But if the physical weakness is very severe and unbearable...

But if the physical weakness is very severe and unbearable and is taxing the power of resistance, then it is allowed to break the- fast. c. If fasting has no adverse effects for a sick person, then it is obligatory for him/her to fast. d. If one fasts, believing there will be no adverse effects, but it turi~ out later that fasting did harm his/her condigion, such a fast is not regarded as correct. e. If one fasts knowing that it will be harmful, or possibly harmful, his/her fasting is null.

INTENTION Earlier we had briefly mentioned the significance of inten necessary for fasting. Those who are sick are exempted, and nor should one fast when sure of adverse effects on health, or fears possibility of adverse effects. CLARIFICATION: a. If one fears -the fear of any prudent person- that fasting will make him/her sick, worsen malady or bring harm then he/she should not fast, but make up for the defaulted fasts later, on regaining health. b.

Mere feeling of weakness,or for that matter psychological fear is not an excuse to forego fasting or to break fast. But if the physical weakness is very severe and unbearable and is taxing the power of resistance, then it is allowed to break the- fast. c. If fasting has no adverse effects for a sick person, then it is obligatory for him/her to fast. d.

If one fasts, believing there will be no adverse effects, but it turns out later that fasting did harm his/her condigion, such a fast is not regarded as correct. e. If one fasts knowing that it will be harmful, or possibly harmful, his/her fasting is null. INTENTION Earlier we had briefly mentioned the significance of inten tion (Niyya). Here, we wish to deal in detail with this important subject.

A tradition from (s.a.w.) says: "Deeds depend on intentions." Hence, Intention is compulsory for every devotional act. A devotional act, without a true, purely God-oriented intention, is void. Fasting is thus one such act which requires the intention of gaining proximity to Allah. Yet, such an intention need not necessarily be present in the mind of the fasting person at each and every single moment of fasting, but the person concerned should be aware of the state.

The intention to fast will remain effective, and even if one forgets or sleeps, the fast will be valid. However, the intention to fast requires certain basic rules: Intention depends on two options.