Fasting during Ramadan is one of the most rewarding acts of worship, bringing us closer to Allah, purifying our hearts, and strengthening our faith. But Islam is not about hardship, it’s about balance, mercy, and ease.
There are times when fasting might become too difficult due to certain legitimate reasons. In such cases, Islam allows us to break the fast without guilt because Allah, in His infinite mercy, understands our struggles. Let’s explain these permissible reasons and how they apply in real-life situations.
1. Illness or Health Concerns
If fasting puts your health at risk or worsens an existing illness, you are allowed to break your fast.
Imagine someone with diabetes who needs to take insulin at regular intervals. If fasting could harm their health, they should break their fast and make it up later (or give fidyah if fasting is permanently impossible).
Allah says in the Qur’an:
وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ
“…But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)
This shows that our health matters in Islam, and fasting should never become a source of harm.
2. The Elderly and Chronically Ill
For those who are elderly or suffer from a chronic illness (such as kidney disease, heart conditions, or severe diabetes), fasting is not required. Instead, they can pay fidyah—feeding a poor person for each missed fast.
Think about an elderly grandmother who struggles to even walk, let alone go an entire day without food or water. Islam does not burden her with fasting; instead, she earns rewards by giving fidyah.
3. Traveling Long Distances
If you’re on a journey beyond 77 km (48 miles), you can choose to either fast or break your fast and make it up later.
Imagine traveling by bus for 10 hours during Ramadan. You feel exhausted and dehydrated. Islam gives you the option to break your fast and fast later when you're at home and comfortable.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
لَيْسَ مِنَ الْبِرِّ الصِّيَامُ فِي السَّفَرِ
“It is not righteousness to fast while traveling.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
This shows that Islam prioritizes ease over unnecessary hardship.
4. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
A pregnant or breastfeeding mother can break her fast if she fears it might harm her or her baby.
A mother nursing her newborn struggles to maintain her energy levels. She knows that fasting could affect her milk supply and weaken her baby. Islam allows her to break her fast and make it up later.
Scholars say she may also pay fidyah if she cannot make up the fasts later.
5. Menstruation and Postpartum Bleeding
Women on their periods (menstruation) or experiencing postpartum bleeding are not allowed to fast during this time. Instead, they will make up for the missed fasts later.
Imagine a sister who is fasting but starts menstruating in the afternoon. She may feel guilty or disappointed, but she should remember:
She is following Allah’s command
She will make up the fasts later
She is still earning rewards
6. Extreme Hunger or Thirst
If fasting causes severe weakness, dizziness, or dehydration, to the point where it affects your ability to function, you are allowed to break your fast.
Imagine a construction worker under the hot sun, feeling dizzy and faint. If continuing to fast could cause him serious harm, he is allowed to break his fast and make it up later.
Islam does not ask us to suffer unnecessarily—our well-being matters.
7. Emergency Situations & Saving Lives
If someone needs to save a life, and fasting prevents them from doing so, they can break their fast.
A doctor performing surgery for hours needs to stay hydrated and alert. If fasting affects their ability to save a patient’s life, they can break their fast and make it up later.
What Happens After Breaking the Fast?
If you break your fast for a legitimate reason, here’s what you do:
1. Make up the missed fasts later (if possible)
2. If you can’t fast at all (due to chronic illness or old age), pay fidyah by feeding a poor person for each missed fast.
In conclusion, Islam is not about forcing yourself into hardship, it’s about worshiping Allah in a way that is sustainable and balanced.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
إِنَّ الدِّينَ يُسْرٌ، وَلَنْ يُشَادَّ الدِّينَ أَحَدٌ إِلَّا غَلَبَهُ
“Indeed, this religion is easy, and no one overburdens themselves in religion except that it will overcome them.” (Sahih Bukhari)
So, if you ever need to break your fast for a valid reason, do so without guilt or fear. Remember: Allah sees your sincerity, and He is the Most Merciful.
May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us the strength to worship Him in the best way possible. Ameen!