Islamic Rulings on Fasting for Pregnant and Breastfeeding WomenWritten by: Qari Usama bin Abdussalam (ḥafiẓahullāh)
Topic: Islamic Guidelines for Pregnant and Nursing Women Regarding Fasting
❖ Introduction
Islamic teachings regarding this matter are derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, and the Consensus of the Companions (Ṣaḥābah). The following points clarify the Islamic position on fasting for pregnant and breastfeeding women:
❖ In the Light of the Qur’an
Allah ﷻ says:
"فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٖ فَعِدَّةٞ مِّنۡ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَۚ"
(Al-Baqarah: 184)
Translation:
“So whoever among you is ill or on a journey, then (he should fast) a number of other days.”
According to scholars, the condition of a pregnant or breastfeeding woman can resemble that of an ill person, as fasting might cause weakness or harm. Therefore, if a woman fears for her own health or her child’s well-being, she may skip fasting and make it up later.
❖ In the Light of Hadith
Exemption of Fasting for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَضَعَ عَنِ المُسَافِرِ نِصْفَ الصَّلَاةِ، وَالصَّوْمَ عَنِ المُسَافِرِ، وَالحَامِلِ وَالمُرْضِعِ"
(Narrated by Abū Dāwūd: 2408, Ibn Mājah: 1667; authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
“Indeed, Allah has reduced the prayer for the traveler to half, and relieved the traveler, the pregnant woman, and the breastfeeding woman from fasting.”
This Hadith is a clear evidence that a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is permitted to skip fasting if she fears harm.
❖ Consensus of the Companions (Ijmāʿ al-Ṣaḥābah)
Fatwa of Ibn ʿAbbās (RA):
Ibn ʿAbbās (RA) said:
"إِذَا خَافَتِ الحَامِلُ وَالمُرْضِعُ عَلَى أَنفُسِهِمَا أَوْ أَوْلَادِهِمَا أَفْطَرَتَا وَأَطْعَمَتَا مَكَانَ كُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِسْكِينًا وَلَا تَقْضِيَانِ"
(Narrated by Abū Dāwūd: 2318, Dāraqutnī: 2/197; authenticated by al-Albānī)
Translation:
“If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman fears harm to herself or her child, she may break her fast and feed a poor person for each day, and no make-up (qaḍāʼ) is required.”
Fatwa of Ibn ʿUmar (RA):
Nāfiʿ reported that Ibn ʿUmar’s wife was pregnant and she skipped fasting. Ibn ʿUmar (RA) said:
"أَفْطِرِي وَأَطْعِمِي عَنْ كُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِسْكِينًا وَلَا تَقْضِي"
(Narrated by Dāraqutnī: 2/197)
Translation:
“Break your fast and feed a poor person for each day. You do not have to make up the fast.”
❖ Opinions of the Jurists and Detailed Rulings
① If the woman fears for her own life or health
✔ She is allowed to skip the fast and must make it up later (qaḍāʼ).
Evidence: "وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ" (Al-Baqarah: 185)
② If she fears only for her child’s health
✔ She may skip the fast but must perform both qaḍāʼ and give fidyah (feeding one poor person per day).
Evidence: Fatāwā of Ibn ʿAbbās (RA) and Ibn ʿUmar (RA)
③ If she is permanently unable to fast
✔ For example, due to chronic weakness or illness, she is exempt from both fasting and making it up, and must only give fidyah.
Evidence: Opinion of the jurists and the fatāwā of the Companions.
❖ Amount of Fidyah (Compensation)
If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is required to give fidyah:
◈ She must feed one poor person for each missed fast
◈ Amount: Approximately 1.5 kg of wheat or its equivalent value in food or money
◈ This fidyah is the same as that which is prescribed for elderly people unable to fast.
(Ibn Mājah: 1667, Dāraqutnī: 2/198)
❖ Summary of Rulings
❀ A pregnant or breastfeeding woman may skip fasting if there is a fear of harm.
❀ If there is danger to her own health, qaḍāʼ (make-up fasting) is obligatory.
❀ If the child’s health is at risk, she must do qaḍāʼ and give fidyah.
❀ If she suffers from permanent weakness or illness, then only fidyah is required, and no qaḍāʼ.
These rulings are established by the Qur’an, authentic Hadiths, and the consensus of the Companions.
May Allah grant ease and reward to all. Āmīn.
