Can Pregnant Women Fast in Ramadan?

Fasting is one of the most sacred duties, obligatory on all healthy adult Muslims. One should always pray and hope to possess the health and steadfastness to fast during Ramadan. However, Allah (SWT) doesn’t burden those who cannot bear it. The Quran tells us:

“Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:286)”

Fasting during Ramadan becomes mandatory for all Muslims upon reaching puberty. However, people under certain conditions are exempt from fasting during Ramadan. This article focuses on an important question many women ask: Can pregnant women fast in Ramadan?

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Categories of People Exempted From Fasting During Ramadan

Young and the Mentally Unstable

People who haven’t reached puberty or aren’t sane are relieved from fasting.

According to the following Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The pen has been lifted from three; for the sleeping person until he awakens, for the boy until he becomes a young man and for the mentally insane until he regains sanity.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 1423)

Travelers and Wayfarers

Travelers and wayfarers are also exempt from fasting during Ramadan. However, they must make up for their fasts.

Anas bin Malik, a man from Banu Abdullah bin Ka’b said: “Some cavalry man of the Messenger of Allah came galloping upon us, so I came to the Messenger of Allah and found him having lunch. He said: “Come and eat.” I said: ‘I am fasting.’ So he said: ‘Come and I will narrate to you about the fast – or fasting. Indeed Allah Most High lifted (the fast and) half of the Salat from the traveler, and (He lifted) the fast – or fasting – from the pregnant person, or the breast-feeding person.’ And by Allah! The Prophet said both of them or one of them. So woe to me! For I did not eat from the meal of the Prophet.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 715)

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People Suffering From Chronic Diseases and Illnesses

People who suffer from serious illnesses are also exempt from fasting. If they have no hope of recovering, they can skip their Ramadan fasts and pay Fidya for each fast they miss. However, those who recover must make up for their missed fasts after Ramadan.

Women under Certain Conditions:

Women who are pregnant, menstruating, breastfeeding, or experiencing post-natal bleeding are also not required to fast during Ramadan if their doctor advises against it. 

Narrated Abu Sa`id: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Isn’t it true that a woman does not pray and does not fast on menstruating? And that is the defect (a loss) in her religion.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1951)

However, this exemption is temporary. Women experiencing the conditions (pregnancy, mensuration, etc.) must make up for their missed fasts after Ramadan. Fidya isn’t allowed under such circumstances.

Can Pregnant Women Fast during Ramadan?

While Islam permits pregnant women exemption from fasting during Ramadan, they can fast if it is safe for them. It is hard to determine the answer to that question, but before making that decision, one must acknowledge that Islam always prioritizes human safety. Therefore, pregnant women must seek medical advice before committing to fasting during Ramadan.

For Muslims, Ramadan offers abundant spiritual gifts. However, fasting presents a physical challenge that can result in nutritional deprivation. Going without food and water for 11 to 16 hours each day for a month can be difficult. 

Note that during pregnancy, a baby takes the following essential nutrients from the mother:

• Folate and folic acid help in normal brain and spinal cord development.
• Choline for the development of the fetal brain and nervous system.
• Calcium for developing bones, teeth, healthy heart, and muscles.
• Vitamin D for the development of bone and teeth
• Protein to promote overall fetal growth
• Iron for carrying oxygen

So, before deciding whether to fast during pregnancy, we must admit that a general recommendation cannot be made for all women given variables such as the pregnancy stage, the pregnant woman’s age and health, and the required fasting period. Only a qualified physician can provide a medically sound recommendation after confirming that fasting won’t pose any deficiencies or risks to the lives of the mother and child.

At what stage of pregnancy is fasting dangerous?

The first trimester of pregnancy is especially challenging due to the excessive dehydration and vomiting most pregnant women experience. Therefore, doctors often advise these women to avoid fasting. 

For those who choose to fast, it is very important to observe how their bodies react to fasting and not ignore any symptoms or warning signs. 

Can Pregnant Women Pay Fidya for Skipped Fasts in Ramadan?

If their doctor does not recommend fasting during pregnancy, women must make up for the missed fasts after delivery. Keep in mind that Fidya does not apply to this situation. Fidya is an option that should only be exercised when there is no hope for a person to recover completely. 

The Quran clearly states that:

“So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]” (Suart Al-Baqarah, 1:184)

Pregnant women may come under the same ruling as individuals who are sick. Therefore, if fasting is too challenging for them, they must make up for the missed fast on recovery.

Pregnant or nursing mothers who are not advised to fast can still receive numerous spiritual rewards by performing Nawafil prayers or attending Tarawih prayers. They should also recite and understand the Quran and engage in self-reflection. Furthermore, a wonderful way to enhance spiritual rewards during Ramadan is by participating in acts of charity.

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Conclusion

Fasting during Ramadan is a sacred obligation that all Muslims must follow. However, there are exemptions for individuals under certain circumstances. Whether pregnant women can fast during Ramadan is an important topic for many expecting mothers. Islam allows pregnant women to skip fasting if their medical advisor recommends it. However, they must make up for missed fasts after Ramadan. Some women might choose to fast during pregnancy, but they must consider factors such as the stage of pregnancy, their health, and the fasting duration. Women in their first trimester of pregnancy are usually advised against fasting due to the risk of excessive dehydration. However, one must not take such decisions lightly and ask for recommendations from professional physicians. If they aren’t allowed to fast during Ramadan, they must fast after their delivery. Fidya doesn’t apply to such a scenario. Allah (SWT) knows best.

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