Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

I was wondering, I know during the month of Ramadhan you are to fast during sunrise till sunset. I am a new convert and I have to take medications 4 times a day for my health. Will I be able to take my medication knowing I have to drink water which is not permissable during fasting? Will my fasting not count if i have to drink the water for my medications? Please inform me of what to do.

Thank you

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Answer:

Medicine during fasts

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

May the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth bless your reversion to the Truth of Al-Islam, help you, guide you, have Mercy upon you, and keep you always in His Infinite Protection and Mercy. The brothers and sisters of this humble forum welcome you wholeheartedly into this beautiful deen of Al-Islam as our sister-in-faith in this world and the next.

Your Question: Will I be able to take my medication knowing I have to drink water which is not permissable during fasting?

There are basically five things which nullify one’s fast:

Eating

Drinking

Sexual intercourse

Intentional ejaculation

The woman who gets her monthly periods during a fast.

Thus sister, the fact is that the taking or swallowing of medicine or anything down the throat will invalidate the fast.

But my beloved sister in Islam, if one has a valid reason, like a prescription which must be taken four times a day and cannot be avoided without fear of affecting one’s health; there is absolutely no harm and no sin upon the person if he does not do the fasts and makes up these missed fasts at a later date. Glory be to Allah Subhanah Who has made the deen of Islam easy to follow, and vast in its dimensions!

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Surah Baqarah verse 185: Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting; but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you. He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan