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:

Assalaamualaikum,

I would like to ask how far the fasting is important for pregnant females.

My Sister is pregnant & her 7th month is running currently. Kindly let me know if it is important for her to fast during her 7th & 8th month.

I will be expecting your reply.

Thanks & Regards,

Sheik Chand

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Pregnant and fast

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 none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Surah Baqarah verse 185:

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 (or witnesses) the 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.

If one is genuinely ill, or fears that fasting would aggravate his illness, of if one is pregnant and fears that fasting may effect the health of the mother or the unborn in any way, etc.; one has been given the option by the Lord Most Merciful that the believer may leave the fast/s and make up the missed fasts at a later date/s of their convenience.

Her missed fasts are a debt unto Allah until she fulfills them by fasting the missed number of days at any other time of the year.

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

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan