Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
According to the Hanafi school, a person with chronic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis and CF-related diabetes is exempt from fasting if fasting may harm their health. Because the illness is permanent, missed fasts do not need to be made up. Instead, the person pays fidyah by feeding one poor person for each missed fast.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
According to the Hanafi school, you are fully exempt from fasting due to your chronic illness (cystic fibrosis and CF-related diabetes). Since this condition is permanent and fasting could potentially harm your health, you are not required to fast.
Because your illness is chronic and not expected to improve, you do not need to make up missed fasts. Instead, your obligation is fidyah, which involves feeding one poor person for each missed fast.
For each missed fast, you should feed one poor person or provide food of equivalent value. In Canada, this typically amounts to $20 per fast. You can pay the fidyah directly to a charity or through local Islamic centers. If you have missed multiple fasts in previous Ramadans, you can pay the fidyah gradually over time based on your capability. This clarifies the practical steps and options available to fulfill your obligation.
Islam exempts individuals whose fasting would result in harm, severe hardship, or worsening of illness. In your case, fasting poses risks due to:
• Dehydration associated with cystic fibrosis
• Blood sugar instability from diabetes
• The necessity for regular medication and nutrition
Therefore, protecting your health takes priority, and fasting in this situation is not required by Islamic law.
It is important to remember that:
• There is no sin for the years you did not fast due to illness.
• Reliable medical advice is sufficient, even if the doctor is not Muslim.
• Instead of fasting, you can enhance your Qur’an recitation, duʿa, prayer, and charity during Ramadan.
To conclude:
• You are exempt from fasting due to chronic illness.
• No make-up fasts are required.
• Fidyah is required (feeding a poor person for each missed fast).
• You may pay fidyah gradually if needed.
May Allah grant you ease, healing, and great reward for your patience, and may He accept your worship. Ameen.
Read also:
- Does Medicine That Triggers Hunger Break Your Fast?
- Can Kidney Patients Break the Fast?
- Can You Fast If You Have Diabetes?
- Can a Person Break Their Ramadan Fast To Avoid Coronavirus?
- Can a Muslim Break the Fast in Ramadan Without Excuse?
- Can You Take Insulin while Fasting?
Almighty Allah knows best.
