Can a Muslim Prisoner Work Assigned Labor While Fasting in Ramadan?
Question
As salaamu alaykum
When a Muslim person in prison is fasting during Ramadan can/should he work a designated/assigned prison job such as field labor? What would the ruling(s) be in this?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shari Context
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam and is obligatory upon every adult Muslim who is able to fast. Allah says:
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain piety.”
Surat al Baqarah 2:183
At the same time, the Sharia recognizes situations of hardship and provides concessions when fasting causes genuine harm or extreme difficulty. Allah says:
“And whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days.”
Surat al Baqarah 2:185
While the verse specifically mentions illness and travel, the jurists derived from it a broader principle that when fasting leads to serious harm or unbearable hardship, a person may break the fast and make it up later.
Work itself, however, does not normally remove the obligation of fasting.
2. Scholarly Discussion
The four madhahib agree that employment or physical labor does not by itself excuse a person from fasting. Farmers, laborers, and workers throughout Islamic history continued their work while fasting.
However, the jurists discussed situations where a person is compelled to perform heavy labor and fears real harm if they continue fasting. In such cases, some scholars allowed the person to begin the day fasting and, if severe hardship arises during the day, they may break the fast and make it up later.
This approach balances the obligation of fasting with the prevention of harm.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”
Reported in several hadith collections
This principle is widely used by jurists when assessing hardship in acts of worship.
3. Application to the Question
In a prison setting, an inmate may be assigned mandatory labor such as field work or other physical duties.
If the work is manageable and the person is able to fast without serious harm, then he should fast and continue his assigned duties.
If the labor becomes extremely difficult to the point that it threatens his health, causes severe dehydration, or he genuinely cannot continue fasting, then he may break the fast for that day and make it up later after Ramadan.
The recommended approach in such situations is:
Begin the day fasting with the intention to complete the fast.
If during the work severe hardship occurs that cannot reasonably be endured, then breaking the fast becomes permissible due to necessity.
This ruling is similar to what some scholars discussed regarding laborers whose work is essential for their livelihood and cannot be postponed.
However, if a person can arrange lighter duties, different work hours, or rest periods with the prison administration, that would be preferable so that he may maintain his fast.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
المشقة تجلب التيسير
Hardship brings facilitation
In usul al fiqh, when fulfilling an obligation becomes excessively difficult in a way that threatens health or causes severe hardship, the Sharia allows a concession. If prison labor becomes dangerously exhausting while fasting, temporary relief through breaking the fast and making it up later becomes permissible.
الضرر يزال
Harm must be removed
Islamic law aims to prevent harm to the body and wellbeing. Therefore, if continuing the fast while performing forced labor leads to genuine harm, the person may take the concession provided by the Sharia.
Final Ruling
A Muslim prisoner should fast during Ramadan even if assigned a prison job such as field labor, as work alone does not excuse fasting. However, if the labor becomes severely difficult and threatens his health or safety while fasting, he may break the fast for that day and make it up later after Ramadan.
And Allah knows best.