SANTRI EN –Islam, as a religion of mercy, provides leniency for those with certain conditions, and medical reasons can justify not fasting.
Here are 5 medical reasons that allow you not to fast during Ramadan:
1. Serious Illness
If you are suffering from a serious illness and fasting will worsen your health condition, then you are allowed not to fast.
This is based on the principle of fiqh (Islamic law) which states that ” دفع المشقة مقدّم على جلب المصلحة” (removing hardship takes precedence over achieving benefit).
Examples of serious illnesses that require you not to fast include:
- Advanced cancer: This condition usually requires intensive care that may be disrupted if you fast.
- Chronic kidney disease: The affected kidneys will have difficulty removing toxins from the body, and dehydration from fasting can worsen the condition.
- Heart disease: Fasting can increase the workload of the heart, so it is not recommended for people with certain heart diseases.
2. Old Age and Weakness
Old age is sometimes accompanied by a decline in physical condition. If you are an elderly person who is already weak and cannot fast without experiencing significant hardship, then you are allowed not to fast.
This is based on the Hadith narrated by Muslim: “It is permissible for an elderly person who cannot fast and an elderly person who is senile not to fast.” (HR. Muslim)
However, the decision not to fast in the elderly should be consulted first with a doctor and family. If your health condition allows, it is recommended to still fast with smaller portions for suhoor and iftar.
3. Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Islam pays close attention to the condition of pregnant and breastfeeding women. If it is feared that fasting will endanger the health of the mother or the fetus/baby, then the mother is allowed not to fast.
This is based on the Hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim: “It is permissible for pregnant and breastfeeding women not to fast if they fear harming themselves or their child.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
However, it should be noted that this leniency is not automatic. Pregnant and breastfeeding women still need to consult with an obstetrician or pediatrician to ensure their health condition and whether they are strong enough to fast.
4. People with Mental Disorders
Islam also provides leniency for those who experience certain mental disorders. Fasting is feared to worsen their psychological condition. Some mental health conditions that can be a reason for not fasting include:
- Schizophrenia: People with schizophrenia may have difficulty focusing and regulating their food intake when fasting, which can trigger a relapse.
- Major depression: Fasting can increase feelings of fatigue and hopelessness in people with major depression.
- Bipolar disorder: Fasting is feared to affect the mood swings experienced by people with bipolar disorder.
If you have a mental health condition, consult with a doctor and mental health professional to see if you are allowed not to fast.
5. People Who Have Recently Recovered from Illness
After recovering from an illness, the body is usually still in the recovery process and needs adequate nutrition. If you have just recovered from an illness and the doctor recommends not fasting for the sake of your health recovery, then not fasting is allowed. Focus on recovering your health so that you can fast in the next Ramadan.
Important Things to Know:
- For those who do not fast for the medical reasons above, it is obligatory to make up the fast on another day after Ramadan.
- The best way to make up for fasting is to fast qada, which is to make up for it on the exact same day outside of Ramadan. However, if not possible, you can replace it on another day in sequence.
- For people who cannot make up for fasting due to chronic illness or old age, it is obligatory to pay fidyah. Fidyah is to feed the poor one mud (about 600 grams) of staple food for each day that is missed.
Consulting with a Doctor and Religious Scholar
Before deciding not to fast for medical reasons, it is important to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional. The doctor will assess your health condition and determine whether you are truly not allowed to fast.
You can also consult with a religious scholar to get a further explanation of Islamic law regarding people who do not fast for medical reasons. A religious scholar can help you understand your obligations and the options available in your situation.
It is important to remember that:
- The decision not to fast should be based on mature medical and religious considerations.
- You don’t need to feel guilty or ashamed for not fasting.
- Islam provides leniency for those who
- Focus on getting better so you can participate fully in future Ramadans.
Maintaining Your Health While Not Fasting:
- Eat nutritious and balanced meals to meet your body’s needs.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Get enough rest and manage stress effectively.
- Engage in light physical activity to maintain physical fitness.
- Continue to observe other Ramadan practices such as taraweeh prayers, reciting Quran (tadarus), and giving charity (sedekah).
By taking care of your health and engaging in other acts of worship, you can still experience the blessings of Ramadan even if you are not fasting.
Fasting during Ramadan is a pillar of Islam, but it is important to remember the spirit of compassion and mercy within the religion. If you have a valid medical reason, there is no shame in not fasting.
Take care of yourself, consult with professionals, and strive to fulfill your spiritual obligations in other ways. May this Ramadan be a time of reflection, growth, and peace for you. Cek this website about information Ramadhan!***
