Fatwa ID: 01614

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

What is the ruling with regards to fasting and breastfeeding an older baby who is able to eat and drink? A friend has been fasting and her milk has dried up due to long fasts, she wanted to breastfeed her 14-month-old until 2 years old, however, is now unable to feed. Should she continue to fast the rest of Ramadan or take a break from fasting to replenish milk supply?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

A woman who is breastfeeding a child under two and half years according to Imam Abu Hanifa [rahimahullah], fears for herself or for her baby, or fears she would not be able to produce enough milk in her breasts, would be allowed not to fast in the month of Ramadhan. She should do qadha of the missed fasts afterwards.[1]

Furthermore, the Prophet of Allah said: “Allah has relieved the travellers of fasting and half of the prayer and the fasting of the pregnant and breast-feeding women”.[2]

In my humble opinion, it will be best for the sister to fast and give some other solids or formula milk for the month of Ramadhan.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

[1] Fatawa Darul Uloom Deoband p.464 v.6

[2] Musnad Ahmad