The fast of Ramadan is rigorous, particularly during long summer days
when it may be required to resist all food and drink for as many as
sixteen hours at a time. This strain may be too much for people with
certain health conditions.The Qur'an instructs Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan, but
also gives clear exemptions for those who may become ill as a result of
fasting:
But if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (of
Ramadan days) should be made up from days later. For those who cannot
do this except with hardship is a ransom: the feeding of one that is
indigent.... Allah intends every ease for you; He does not want to put
you to difficulties...." - Qur'an 2:184-185
In
several other passages, the Qur'an instructs Muslims not to kill or
harm themselves, or cause harm to others.Prior to Ramadan, a Muslim
should always consult with a doctor about
the safety of fasting in individual circumstances. Some health
conditions may be improved during fasting, while others may possibly
deteriorate. If you decide that fasting could possibly be harmful in
your situation, you have two options:
There is no need to feel guilty about taking care of your health needs
during Ramadan. These exemptions exist in the Qur'an for a reason, as
Allah knows best what issues we may face. Even if one is not fasting,
one can feel part of the Ramadan experience through other areas of
worship -- such as offering additional prayers, inviting friends and
family
for evening meals, reading the Qur'an, or donating to
charity.Additional information is available below for those with
specific
health concerns. Again, you should always consult with your own doctor
to evaluate your individual circumstances.
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when it may be required to resist all food and drink for as many as
sixteen hours at a time. This strain may be too much for people with
certain health conditions.The Qur'an instructs Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan, but
also gives clear exemptions for those who may become ill as a result of
fasting:
But if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (of
Ramadan days) should be made up from days later. For those who cannot
do this except with hardship is a ransom: the feeding of one that is
indigent.... Allah intends every ease for you; He does not want to put
you to difficulties...." - Qur'an 2:184-185
In
several other passages, the Qur'an instructs Muslims not to kill or
harm themselves, or cause harm to others.Prior to Ramadan, a Muslim
should always consult with a doctor about
the safety of fasting in individual circumstances. Some health
conditions may be improved during fasting, while others may possibly
deteriorate. If you decide that fasting could possibly be harmful in
your situation, you have two options:
- If yours is a temporary, not chronic, condition you may make up the
fast (a day for a day) at a later time, when your health improves. - If yours is a permanent or chronic condition, you may make a
donation in charity in lieu of fasting. The amount should be sufficient
to feed one person a day, for each fasting day that is missed.
There is no need to feel guilty about taking care of your health needs
during Ramadan. These exemptions exist in the Qur'an for a reason, as
Allah knows best what issues we may face. Even if one is not fasting,
one can feel part of the Ramadan experience through other areas of
worship -- such as offering additional prayers, inviting friends and
family
for evening meals, reading the Qur'an, or donating to
charity.Additional information is available below for those with
specific
health concerns. Again, you should always consult with your own doctor
to evaluate your individual circumstances.
- Health Tips for All - Fasting During Hot Summer Days
- Information for Pregnant or Nursing Women
- Information for Diabetics
- Information for Children
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