Fasting for pregnant and breastfeeding women

Fasting for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Islamic Rulings and Guidance

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a deeply spiritual act of worship that brings Muslims closer to Allah (SWT). However, while fasting is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims, Islam provides exceptions for certain individuals based on their circumstances. Among these exceptions are pregnant and breastfeeding women, who may face difficulties when trying to observe the fast due to concerns about their health or the health of their child.

The Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance regarding fasting for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The general principle in Islam is that there should be no hardship in worship, and Allah (SWT) wants ease for His servants, not difficulty. The provisions for pregnant and breastfeeding women reflect the mercy and compassion that Islam offers, acknowledging the physical and emotional challenges these women face during pregnancy and lactation.

In this blog post, we will explore the Islamic rulings on fasting for pregnant and breastfeeding women, looking at the reasons for exemption, the guidelines for fasting during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the compensations for those who cannot fast. We will provide Quranic and Hadith references to support these rulings, ensuring that we can better understand how to apply these teachings in the context of Ramadan.

The Ruling on Fasting for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Islam

Fasting is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam, but Islam also recognizes that there are circumstances where an individual may be exempt from fasting if it poses a risk to their health or well-being. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers may find fasting particularly difficult, as their bodies undergo significant physical changes, and the health of their babies may also be at risk if proper nourishment is not provided.

The exemption for pregnant and breastfeeding women is based on the general principles of ease and mercy in Islam, which are outlined in both the Quran and the Hadith.

Quranic References Regarding Exemption from Fasting

Allah (SWT) emphasizes ease in worship and has made provisions for those who are unable to fast due to valid reasons. The exemption for pregnant and breastfeeding women is derived from the following Quranic verses:

يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ
وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
سورة البقرة – 2:185

“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship, and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”

This verse establishes that Allah (SWT) wants ease for His followers, not hardship. The principle of no hardship is fundamental in Islamic law, and this is why pregnant and breastfeeding women are given the allowance to break their fasts if they feel that fasting would be harmful to their health or the health of their child.

In the same Surah (Al-Baqarah), Allah (SWT) provides guidance for those who are exempt from fasting:

فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ
سورة البقرة – 2:184

“So whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days.”

While the verse refers to illness and travel, the underlying principle of ease is applicable to pregnant and breastfeeding women as well. If fasting poses a health risk for the mother or child, then the woman is allowed to break her fast and make it up later.

The Hadith Regarding Fasting for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Several Hadiths support the exemption for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provided clarity regarding the situation of pregnant and breastfeeding women who are unable to fast.

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا، قَالَتْ:
“رَخَّصَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ فِي صَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ لِمَن كَانَ فِي حَامِلٍ أَوْ رَاضِعٍ أَنْ يُفْطِرُوا وَيُقْضُوا فِي غَيْرِهِ”
رواه مسلم

Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) granted permission for pregnant and breastfeeding women to break their fast and make up for it later, indicating that their exemption from fasting is permissible if fasting could potentially harm them or their babies.

This Hadith demonstrates that Islamic law takes into account the physical and emotional strain that pregnancy and breastfeeding can place on women. Allah’s mercy ensures that these women are not subjected to unnecessary hardship during the month of Ramadan.

The Conditions for Fasting for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

While pregnant and breastfeeding women are exempt from fasting if they are worried about their health or their child’s well-being, there are some conditions to consider before deciding to break the fast:

• Health Concerns: If a pregnant woman feels that fasting could harm her pregnancy or cause dehydration or exhaustion, she is permitted to break her fast. The same applies to breastfeeding mothers who feel that fasting may reduce milk production or affect the health of the baby.

• Intention (Niyyah): Pregnant and breastfeeding women must have the intention to break their fast if they believe it is necessary. Islamic rulings emphasize the importance of intention behind every action, including the decision to fast or not to fast. If a woman intends to fast but is later unable to continue due to health reasons, she may break her fast with the intention of taking care of herself and her child.

• Compensation (Qada): Women who break their fast due to pregnancy or breastfeeding are required to make up the missed fasts later on when they are able to do so, once the month of Ramadan ends.

The Exemption: What Should Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Do?

If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is unable to fast due to valid reasons, Islam provides the following options:

• Make-Up (Qada): The woman can make up for the missed fasts later in the year when she is physically able. The missed days must be made up before the next Ramadan if possible.

• Fidya (Compensation): If the woman is physically unable to fast due to prolonged health conditions, such as chronic illness, or if she is too weak to make up the fasts, she may offer fidya, which involves feeding a poor person for each day of missed fasting. This is a form of compensation allowed in certain cases where fasting becomes impossible.

The Wisdom Behind Exemption from Fasting

Islam is a religion of mercy and ease, and this is evident in the exemptions from fasting granted to those who face genuine hardships. The Quran explicitly acknowledges that not everyone is capable of fasting, and Allah, in His infinite wisdom, provides allowances for those who are unable to observe it due to valid reasons.

Allah says:

“فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ…”
“But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

This verse highlights the wisdom behind exemptions: Islam does not impose undue hardship upon its followers. The sick, travelers, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are granted relief, reflecting Islam’s compassionate nature. Instead of suffering through fasting, they are given alternatives such as making up the missed fasts later or offering fidyah (compensation).

These exemptions demonstrate that fasting is not meant to be a burden but a spiritual exercise aligned with individual capacity, ensuring that worship remains a means of nearness to Allah rather than a cause of distress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pregnant and breastfeeding women are given special considerations when it comes to fasting during Ramadan. The Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance, offering exemptions for women who are unable to fast due to concerns about their health or the health of their child. The principles of ease and mercy are central to Islam, and the flexibility regarding fasting during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a testament to these values.

Muslim women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can choose to break their fast if they feel it is necessary for their well-being, and they are required to make up for the missed fasts later. For those who are unable to make up the fasts, fidya serves as a form of compensation.

This allowance highlights the compassion and understanding that Islam provides, ensuring that no one is burdened with hardship while they are fulfilling their religious obligations. The principles of care, mercy, and ease in Islam are reflected in every aspect of the rulings regarding fasting, ensuring that the worship of Allah is not only a spiritual endeavor but also a balanced and healthy practice.

May Allah (SWT) grant ease to all pregnant and breastfeeding women and accept their efforts during Ramadan, whether they fast or make up for missed fasts, and reward them for their sacrifices and devotion.