Can a Pregnant or Breastfeeding Woman Break Her Fast During Ramadan?
Question
Can a pregnant or breastfeeding woman break her fast during Ramadan?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shar‘i Context
Fasting Ramadan is an obligation upon every accountable Muslim. However, Sharia is built upon mercy and does not impose acts of worship in a way that causes harm. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are conditions in which fasting may lead to real harm to the mother, the unborn child, or the nursing infant.
Allah says:
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Surat al Baqarah 2:185)
2. The Basis for Allowance
The Prophet said:
“Indeed Allah has relieved the traveler of fasting and half the prayer, and He has relieved the pregnant and breastfeeding woman of fasting.”
(Reported by Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and others)
This hadith establishes that pregnancy and breastfeeding are recognized legal excuses allowing a woman to break her fast.
3. When Is It Permissible to Break the Fast?
A pregnant or breastfeeding woman may break her fast if she fears:
- Harm to herself,
- Harm to her baby,
- Severe weakness, dehydration, or medical risk,
- Or a strong likelihood of reduced milk supply that harms the child.
This fear does not have to be certain; reasonable concern, based on experience, medical advice, or past pregnancies, is sufficient.
4. What Is Required After Ramadan?
The ruling after Ramadan depends on the reason for breaking the fast:
- If she feared harm to herself, then she must make up the missed days (qada) only.
- If she feared harm to the child, then according to many scholars, she must make up the fasts, and some scholars also required feeding the poor.
- Many contemporary scholars hold that qada alone is sufficient in all cases, especially given hardship and modern medical realities.
This latter view is widely followed and removes unnecessary burden.
5. The Relevant Usul Principle
المشقة تجلب التيسير
Hardship brings about ease.
When fasting leads to genuine hardship or harm, Sharia provides a lawful concession without blame or sin.
Another principle also applies:
لا ضرر ولا ضرار
There is no harming and no reciprocating harm.
Preserving life and health takes precedence over continuing a fast that causes damage.
Final Ruling
A pregnant or breastfeeding woman is permitted to break her fast during Ramadan if she fears harm to herself or her child. She incurs no sin.
She should make up the missed fasts later when she is able, if she isn’t able to then she can pay Fedyah, which is about 10$ per day.
And Allah knows best.