Does Taking Advil for a Migraine During Ramadan Break the Fast?
Question
Salam alaikum.
I get migraines. If I were to get one during Ramadan, can I take an Advil and continue my fast for the day?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
This question relates to what invalidates the fast, the ruling of medication, and the concession Islam gives in cases of illness and pain.
1. The Shar‘i Context
One of the agreed-upon invalidators of fasting is intentionally ingesting something through the mouth that reaches the stomach or digestive system.
Allah says:
“And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread of night, then complete the fast until night.”
Surat al Baqarah 2:187
From this verse and the Sunnah, the scholars agreed that eating, drinking, or taking oral medication during fasting hours breaks the fast.
2. Ruling on Taking Advil
Advil (ibuprofen) is taken orally and reaches the stomach. Therefore:
- Taking Advil during fasting hours does break the fast
- The fast cannot continue after taking it
- The day must be made up later (qada)
However, this does not constitute sin if the medication is taken due to genuine need.
3. If a Migraine Occurs During the Fast
Migraines are not ordinary headaches. They can involve:
- Severe pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Light sensitivity
- Inability to function
If the migraine reaches a level where continuing the fast causes real harm or unbearable hardship, then breaking the fast is permitted, and sometimes required.
The Prophet said:
“Indeed, Allah loves that His concessions be taken just as He loves that His commands be fulfilled.”
Reported in the Sunnah collections
4. Alternatives That Do Not Break the Fast
The scholars stated that non-nutritive treatments that do not enter the digestive tract do not break the fast.
These may include:
- Non-nutritive injections
- Topical treatments
- Cold compresses
- Rest and darkness
If such measures relieve the migraine sufficiently, the fast may be continued.
5. Relevant Usul Principles
الضرر يزال
Harm must be removed.
المشقة تجلب التيسير
Hardship brings about ease.
لا يكلف الله نفسا إلا وسعها
Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
Islam does not require a person to endure harm to maintain a fast.
Final Ruling
Taking Advil during fasting hours breaks the fast, and the fast for that day cannot be continued.
If a migraine becomes severe and medication is needed, you are permitted to break the fast, take the medication, and make up the day later without sin.
If the migraine can be managed with treatments that do not enter the digestive system, the fast remains valid.
Allah’s mercy is not in hardship, but in obedience within one’s capacity.
And Allah knows best.