In a fatwa, Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah Al ash-Sheikh has allowed his country's soldiers fighting Houthi rebels on Yemen borders to skip the compulsory fast during the month of Ramadan.
In his fatwa, he noted the soldiers were waging a 'jihad' by fighting the 'enemy' and hence they are fulfilling their duty to God (Allah) and the country.
"Those who are unable to fast because they are at border protecting the country from the enemy, may eat during Ramadan and can make up for the missed fasts on other days," the Grand Mufti told Okaz.
Saudi Arabia began the first day of the fasting month for Ramadan on 18 June, Al Arabiya reported.
During the holy month of Ramadan, all healthy Muslim men and women, and children, who have reached the age of puberty, are expected to fast. Only the sick and the elderly are exempt.
As per Quran, those who are unable to fast during Ramadan must make up for it by feeding the needy.
In Saudi Arabia, which follows one of the strictest forms of Islam, anyone found eating, smoking or drinking during the month of Ramadan is liable to be punished by flogging and in some cases, even jail term, according to Examiner.
Saudi Arabia launched a massive attack on Yemen in March to stop Iran-backed Houthi rebels from taking over the country. Since then, over 2,600 people have been killed in Saudi airstrikes meant to bring exiled president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi back to power, Reuters reported.
