Fatwa ID: 03927

Answered by: Alimah Sumeyye Sofu

Question

Salam, what are the conditions that outline for a pregnant woman not to fast? I heard that if she feels tired, she should not fast. Is this true?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

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

Answer:

If a woman is in the early stages of her pregnancy and by fasting, it would not affect the health of the mother and nor of the unborn child, then it is obligatory upon her to fast.

However, if the woman genuinely fears harm or sickness for herself or for the unborn child, only then it is permissible for her not to fast.  There must have been a previous experience where at that time in her pregnancy it affected her or the unborn child’s health. Also, if a god-fearing, qualified, Muslim doctor advises her not to fast, then she is also exempt from fasting.[1]

Only Allah knows best

Written by Alimah Sumeyye Sofu

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham