Valid reasons for not fasting and for breaking a fast prematurely

It is given in the Holy Quran:   Allah does not tax any soul beyond what it can endure.  Surah Baqarah (2:286)   Thus, even for fasting, which comes once a year, the Shariah has given us guidelines which take into consideration human weaknesses and the other limitations of human nature.   These are the valid reasons for not keeping a fast:   Journey, whether it is for a valid reason or invalid reason, whether it is taxing (like by foot, etc.) or comfortable (like a train/plane).  However in a comfortable mode of travel, it is better to fast.  Here travel means travel as per the Shariah, which is equivalent to a 3-day journey.   If the journey starts after the Niyyah of the fast was made, then completing the fast is compulsory.  If it is broken, then Kaffara will not become Wajib, only Qaza.   If someone breaks the fast and starts the journey after breaking the fast, then Qaza and Kaffara both become Wajib.   If a sick person feels that by fasting, the disease will worsen or the person will regain his/her health after a long time.  This is known to the sick person by his/her own experience or by some sign or by a Muslim physician, who does not openly break rules of Islam.   If a healthy person thinks that by fasting, he/she will fall ill, then they are also included in the same rule.   Pregnancy, if the lady thinks that she or her child will be at risk by fasting.   A lady who is nursing, regardless of whether as a mother or a nurse, if she thinks that she or the child will be at risk.   If someone cannot bear hunger/thirst and there is a danger of their death.   Old age, in which weakness increases day by day and there is no strength to fast.   Force, i.e. someone is forcing one to not fast, provided there is extreme danger, like that of death.   When can one break the fast   If the fasting person suddenly falls, for e.g. has a sudden fever or headache, stomachache.   If a snake/scorpion bites the fasting person.   If a pregnant lady faces something, which makes it risky for her or her child.   If the fasting person faces such hunger or thirst that there is danger of death.   If someone forces the fasting person to break a fast provided there is a real danger of death or extreme loss.   In all these cases, breaking the fast is allowed.  In all the above cases, Qaza of the fasts is Wajib, excepting for old age, where for missed fasts 1 Sadqa Fitr for each fast has to be given or a needy person can be fed twice a day.

Dr. Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Qadri

Shaykh Ul Fiqh, Jamia Nizamia; Founder - Director

Mufti Maulana Syed Zia Uddin Naqshbandi Quadri

Shaik-ul-Fiqh - Jamia Nizamia

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Valid reasons for not fasting and for breaking a fast prematurely