Many Muslims with pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or mental illnesses) who take medications regularly choose to fast during Ramadan, sometimes against medical advice.
A pre-Ramadan assessment is essential for these patients planning to fast. They should consult their doctors (whom they trust, “Muslim or Non-Muslim”) before Ramadan begins for the following reasons:
Ensure their ability to fast.
Adjust their medication doses if necessary.
Discuss potential side effects of medications that could interfere with fasting.
Adjust their medication timing to fit the fasting schedule.
Keep a close eye on their health during Ramadan.
It is highly recommended that you schedule your annual physical check-up with your doctor before Ramadan starts to ensure you are healthy enough to fast.
With proper advice and support from healthcare providers, many people with pre-existing medical conditions can fast safely during Ramadan.
To Fast or Not to Fast?
Doctors often face the difficult task of advising patients who insist on fasting whether it is safe.
Islamic jurisprudence (Islamic teachings) prohibits fasting in conditions where it could:
harm the person’s health,
increase (worsen) pain or discomfort,
or delay recovery from illness.
Rulings on the Sick During Ramadan
1. Core Principle
Islamic law is based on mercy and ease.
Allah (SWT) says:
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” Al-Baqarah 2:286
“He ˹Who˺ has chosen you, and laid upon you no hardship in the religion—the way of your forefather Abraham.” Al-Hajj 22:78
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” Al-Baqarah 2:185
“Whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of days later.” Al-Baqarah 2:184
The Prophet (SAAW) said: “There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm.” Ibn Majah
The rulings for the sick depend on the extent of the harm, the hardship, and medical advice.
2. Categories of Illness and Their Rulings
A. Mild illness (headache and mild cold)
If fasting causes no real harm and only minor discomfort, it remains obligatory.
Examples: mild sore throat, allergies, and mild fatigue.
Ruling:
You must fast if you are able.
B. Illness That Causes Hardship But Not Harm
Fasting is possible but significantly difficult.
Examples: moderate flu, migraines triggered by fasting, and chronic pain that worsens without medication.
Ruling:
Permitted to break the fast
And make up (qadā’) later when healthy.
This is based on the principle: “Hardship brings ease.”
C. Illnesses Where Fasting May Cause Harm or Delay Recovery
This includes:
Conditions worsened by dehydration
An illness that requires ongoing medication
Risk of fainting, severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or other complications
The doctor recommends against fasting.
Ruling:
Fasting is considered forbidden (haram) if it harms the body
Make up (qada’) later when recovered
Scholars agree that fasting should not harm the body.
D. Chronic Illness with No Hope of Recovery
Examples:
Advanced heart failure
Severe kidney disease
Insulin-dependent diabetes with risks
Elderly frailty
Conditions needing long-term medication
Ruling:
No fasting required
Pay fidyah: by feeding one poor person for each missed day
This is based on the verse:
“… and those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day].” Al-Baqarah 2:184
When Should a Sick Person Break the Fast?
A person must break the fast for these reasons:
A doctor issues a warning about potential harm.
Symptoms worsen significantly
There is a risk of dehydration, fainting, or organ damage
Blood sugar levels dangerously drop below 70 or rise above 300.
There is an urgent need for medication.
This is based on this principle: Islam forbids self-harm.
Spiritual Guidance for the Sick
To prevent the sick person from feeling guilty about being unable to fast, the following facts should be emphasized:
Illness is a form of purification
Reward is granted fully even when not fasting
Following the permissions is loved by Allah, similar to obeying commands according to the Hadeeth of the Prophet (SAAW): “Allah likes His permissions to be fulfilled, as He loves His commands to be obeyed.” Al-Albani
Dua’ of the sick is accepted
Feeding the poor (fidyah) is a continuous charity
Fasting for Seniors and Young Children
For an elderly person:
No fasting is required if fasting causes weakness, dizziness, or increases the risk of falls.
Fidyah should be given instead.
For young children before puberty:
Support short, quick fasts (bird fasting), stay hydrated, and consume balanced meals.
Focus on spiritual practices over long fasting periods.
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Up coming Events
ICEV IFTAR INVITATION
Iftar & Dinner Fundraiser
Saturday, February 28th at 5pm
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Auditorium 739 W Erie St, Chandler, AZ 85225
Refined By Ramadan
Join us every Saturday night with @tariqmusleh_ @dr.mazen.atassi @_imamimran @imamdeeb
Sahara's AZ Ramadan Iftar Gala
Avion Center, Chandler, AZ
Saturday, Mar 7 from 4 pm to 7 pm MST
GRAND IFTAR 2026
Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 5:30pm
Halal Iftar Dinner Provided
ICNEV Annual Ramadan Fundraising Iftar
Friday February 27, 2026
12125 E Via Linda Scottsdale
ticketor.com/ICNEV-Scottsdale
Community Iftars at ICNEV
February 21, 28, March 7, 14
12125 E Via Linda Scottsdale
Ramadan 2026 Iftarfest
February 21 & 28 | March 7 & 14
4801 E Washington St # 5
Phoenix, AZ 85054
First Muslim Donation Bazaar
Craft Night and Iftar
Halal Buffet Spot for Iftar
Revert Sisters Iftar
EID UL FITR DINNER
Friday March 20, 2026
12125 E Via Linda Scottsdale
ticketor.com/ICNEV-Scottsdale
Arizona Eid Festival 2026
March 20th, 1:00pm to 8:00pm
2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225
Highlights: Live Entertainment, Face Painting, Halal Food Trucks, Vendor Marketplace, Photo Sessions, Rides, Games and much more!
https://givebutter.com/sxpfc3
This event is for ladies 18-32 and gentlemen 24-39 yo.
Where: Chandler, Arizona
When: April 5, 2026, from 11 to 5pm.
Tickets: Link in bio! https://forms.gle/TdkkQKapRunfSCzj8
For questions, reach out to [email protected] or text (602) 892-5016
Move-AZ Food Pantry
Masjid Es Salam
1071 N Alma School Rd, Chandler, AZ
Redirect Your Taxes to Support
Once you file your taxes, 100% of your tax credit donation will be refunded to you. This money supports the MOVE Food Pantry and youth activities. Visit www.moveaz.org/donate
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