Skip to main content
Ramadam

Can You Take Medicine While Fasting Ramadam In Islam?

By March 11, 2023No Comments
can you take medicine while fasting ramadan

In Islam, taking medication while fasting is generally allowed if it is necessary for the individual’s health. 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The one who is sick and needs to break his fast, is allowed to do so, and the one who is traveling and needs to break his fast, is allowed to do so” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1677).

This means that if a person is sick and needs medication to treat their illness, they are allowed to break their fast and take the medication as prescribed. However, if the medication can be delayed until after sunset, it is recommended to delay it to avoid breaking the fast unnecessarily.

It is important to note that the decision to take medication while fasting should be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional.

 Additionally, if a person intentionally breaks their fast without a valid reason, they will be held accountable in front of Allah.

Overall, Islam is a religion that prioritizes the preservation of life and health, and it allows for flexibility in situations where fasting may harm an individual’s health.

WHAT OTHER SCHOLARS ARE SAY ABOUT IT?

Many Islamic scholars have written about the permissibility of taking medication while fasting.

  • Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a prominent Islamic scholar, has stated that taking medication does not break the fast as long as it is taken by mouth, injection is not required, and it is necessary for the person’s health.
  • Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, another respected Islamic scholar, stated that taking medication does not break the fast as long as it is not taken in excessive amounts that could provide nutrition to the body.
  • Imam Malik, the founder of the Maliki school of thought, held the view that taking medication does not break the fast as long as it is not taken in a way that would provide nourishment to the body.
  • Imam Abu Hanifa, the founder of the Hanafi school of thought, held a similar view, stating that taking medication does not break the fast as long as it is not taken in a way that provides nourishment to the body.

Overall, the majority of Islamic scholars agree that taking medication while fasting is permissible as long as it is necessary for the person’s health and is taken in a way that does not provide nourishment to the body. However, it is important for individuals to consult with their own scholars or qualified medical professionals regarding their specific situation.

WHAT SUNNAH SAYS ABOUT IT?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “If one of you is fasting, and he is offered food, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ And if he is offered a drink, he should say, ‘I am fasting.'” (Sahih Muslim 1155). This hadith indicates that a person who is fasting should abstain from food and drink during the fast.

However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “Use medicine, O servants of Allah, for Allah has not created a disease without creating a cure for it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3435). This hadith encourages the use of medication to treat illnesses and suggests that it is permissible to take medication during fasting if necessary.

Additionally, there are examples from the Prophet’s life where he himself broke his fast to take medication when he was ill. For example, during the Battle of Khaybar, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was treated with a roasted meat dish that contained a type of poison. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spat out the poisoned meat and then asked for water to rinse his mouth and to take medication to treat the effects of the poison (Sahih al-Bukhari 1979).

Overall, the Sunnah supports the permissibility of taking medication during fasting if necessary for the person’s health. However, it is important to consult with a qualified medical professional and a religious authority to determine whether taking medication during fasting is appropriate for each individual’s specific situation.

Can You Skip Fasting Due To Health Conditions In Islam? Give Me Reference From Sunnah And Hadith.

Yes, Islam allows for exemptions from fasting for individuals who are unable to fast due to health conditions. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Allah has relieved the traveler of fasting and half of the prayer, and He has relieved the pregnant and breastfeeding woman of fasting.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 2256)

Furthermore, the Quran states: “And whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe fasts must be made up] from other days.” (Quran 2:185)

These references indicate that those who are sick and unable to fast due to their health condition are exempt from fasting during the month of Ramadan. They are required to make up the missed fasts at a later time when their health condition improves.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “If a person is sick or traveling, they should fast the same number of days that they missed after they have recovered or returned home.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1943)

This Hadith reinforces the idea that those who are unable to fast due to their health condition should make up the missed fasts at a later time. It is important to note that this ruling applies only to those whose health condition would be worsened by fasting, and not to those who are able to fast without any negative effects on their health.

Overall, Islam recognizes the importance of preserving one’s health and allows for flexibility in situations where fasting may harm an individual’s health. Those who are unable to fast due to their health condition are encouraged to make up the missed fasts at a later time when their health permits.

What Quranic Verses About It? Can I Take Medicine While Fasting In Ramadan?

There are several Quranic verses that discuss the topic of fasting and provide guidance on exemptions for individuals who are unable to fast due to health conditions.

One of the most prominent verses related to this topic is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (SWT) says: “And whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of days are to be made up. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day].” (Quran 2:185)

This verse clearly states that those who are ill or on a journey are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, and are required to make up the missed fasts at a later time. It also mentions that for those who are able to fast but find it difficult, they may offer a substitute by feeding a poor person for each missed day of fasting.

Another verse that provides guidance on exemptions for those unable to fast due to health reasons is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (SWT) says: “Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Quran 2:185)

This verse emphasizes that Allah (SWT) does not intend for His followers to experience hardship, and therefore allows for exemptions for those who are unable to fast due to their health condition.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the Quran provides clear guidance on the permissibility of exemptions from fasting for individuals who are unable to fast due to health reasons. These individuals are required to make up the missed fasts at a later time when their health permits. The Quran emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s health and avoiding hardship and encourages flexibility in situations where fasting may cause harm to an individual’s health.

Recommended Blogs:
Can You Watch TV During Ramadan
Can You Take A Shower While Fasting During Ramadan
Are Jinns Locked Up During Ramadan

Al-Islam

My aim is to spread Islamic education. Al Islam Guide offers rich info on every aspect of life with a basic Islamic philosophy to improve the knowledge of Muslims worldwide.

Leave a Reply