Breaking the Fast in Ramadan for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Question:
If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman breaks her fast during Ramadan, what is required of her? Additionally, how much food (such as rice) should be given in compensation?
Answer:
It is not permissible for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman to break her fast without a valid excuse. However, if she does not fast due to a genuine reason, then she is required to make up (Qada) for the missed fasts. This is based on the ruling Allah Almighty has given regarding the sick:
وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185]
"And whoever is ill or on a journey—then an equal number of other days (must be made up)."
Since both pregnant and breastfeeding women fall under the category of those with a valid excuse, they must make up for their missed fasts later.
However, if they break their fast out of fear for their child's health, then they are required to:
① Make up (Qada) for the missed fasts, and
② Feed one needy person (Miskin) for each missed day with an amount of staple food such as wheat, rice, or dates.
Some scholars, however, hold the opinion that only Qada (making up the fasts) is required, and feeding the needy is not necessary, as there is no clear evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah mandating feeding the poor in this case. The fundamental rule is that a person is not held responsible for anything unless there is proof (Daleel) obligating it. This is the view of Imam Abu Hanifa (رحمه الله) and is considered the stronger opinion.
— Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله)
