Fasting
is not obligatory for the insane because of their inability to
understand what they are doing. `Ali reported that the Prophet,
peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The pen is raised for
three groups [of people]-that is, they will not be responsible for
their actions: the insane until they become sane, those who are
sleeping until they awaken, and the young until they reach
puberty." (Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and At-Tirmidhi.)
