FASTING
FOR THE PREGNANT AND NURSING WOMEN
<
GO BACK
1. What is the hukm of fasting in Ramadaan for a pregnant woman?
It remains obligatory, unless the woman genuinely fears harm, with
near surety, or sickness for herself or for the child. "Genuine
fear" is that which is based on: previous experience, clear
unmistakable signs, or being informed by a qualified Muslim doctor
who is not outwardly corrupt.
2. Also, with reference to question (1) could you additionally
elucidate the issues of kafara and qadha [making up an omitted
obligatory act (just in case my transliteration is incorrect)] – if
she abstains from fasting – if applicable.
Makeups (qada) are obligatory, but not immediately, though it is
superior to make up missed fasts immediately.
3. Does the hukm (of abstaining from fasting) still apply if the
woman feels *capable* (i.e. fit) to fast? In other words, is a
pregnant woman *obliged* not to fast, or does she have a choice, and
are both options predicated upon the determination of her health and
the health of the unborn child, or are there other considerations?
Note that the only medical opinion that is considered, in of itself,
is that of a Muslim doctor, unless the opinion of a non-Muslim
merely confirms one's own past experience or clear manifest signs.
The default is that Muslim women who are pregnant or nursing must
fast, and, in the long-term, take the health and nutritional means
to be able to fast.
4. Is there a time-limit for any qadha that are due upon her with
respect to missed fasts?
No.
5. If a pregnant woman isn't fasting, does she still obtain the
reward for praying the tarawih prayers? And would this reward be the
same as if she *were* fasting?
The tarawih is unrelated to the fasting. However: it is not just
something one does for "reward". It is a confirmed sunna for both
men and women, which means that the one who leaves it without an
excuse accepted by the Shariah is sinful if they do so habitually,
and worthy of blame (from Allah) if they leave it even once.
The congregation is recommended for men, but not a confirmed sunna,
though some held it to be a confirmed sunna as well.
The sunna of tarawih is all 20 rakats. Merely praying 8 does not
fulfill the sunna.
6. What is the adab of a non-fasting pregnant woman consuming
food/beverages in front of those who are fasting, if they are from
her family?
