Fasting Exemptions: Rulings for the Elderly, the Ill, and Mothers

Ramadan is a month of devotion, but Islam is a religion of ease that recognizes human frailty. One of the most important concepts in the Jurisprudence of Fasting is Fidyah—a form of compensation for those who cannot fast due to permanent or semi-permanent circumstances.

The Quranic basis for this is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184):

“And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship]—a ransom (fidyah) of feeding a needy person [for each day].”

According to authentic narrations from Ibnu Abbas (RA), this verse was not abrogated (mansukh). Instead, it remains a standing law for those whose health makes fasting detrimental.

The Three Categories of Fasting Obligations

Under Islamic Law, people are categorized into three groups regarding Ramadan:

The Healthy Resident: Those who are physically fit and not traveling. They must fast during the month.
The Sick and the Traveler: Those who have temporary excuses. They may skip the fast but must make up the days later (Qadha).
Those with Chronic Inability: Those for whom fasting brings severe hardship or harm. This group is permitted to break the fast and pay Fidyah.

Rulings for Mothers: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

A common question arises: Do pregnant and breastfeeding women pay Fidyah or perform Qadha? Scholars have different perspectives based on the mother’s motivation:

The Perspective of Hasan al-Bashri: When asked about mothers, he famously said, "Is there any condition more taxing than pregnancy?" He held that they may break the fast but should perform Qadha.
Hanafi School: Mothers must perform Qadha (make up the days) only; no Fidyah is required.
Shafi’i and Hanbali Schools: If the mother breaks her fast solely out of concern for the child’s health, she must perform both Qadha and pay Fidyah.
Maliki School: Only breastfeeding mothers must pay Fidyah and perform Qadha; pregnant women are only required to perform Qadha.

Understanding the Elderly and the Terminally Ill

There is a scholarly consensus (Ijma') that the elderly who cannot endure the rigors of fasting and the terminally ill (those with no hope of recovery) are only required to pay Fidyah. They are not expected to make up the days.

How Much is the Fidyah?

The amount of Fidyah depends on the school of thought followed:

School of Thought	Amount per Missed Day
Hanafi	Half a Sha’ (approx. 2 Mudds) of wheat, OR one full Sha’ of other staples (dates, barley, etc.).
The Majority (Jumhur)	One Mudd of the local staple food (rice, wheat, corn).

Weight Conversion for Clarity:

1 Mudd: Approximately 675 grams.
1 Sha’: Approximately 2,751 grams (or 2.75 kg).

The Spirit of Volunteering: The Quran mentions, "And whoever volunteers excess glory, it is better for him." This means if you choose to feed more than one person, provide more than the minimum weight, or manage to fast while still paying the Fidyah, the reward with Allah is multiplied.

Final Reflection

The system of Fidyah ensures that even those who cannot physically participate in the hunger of Ramadan can still participate in its spirit of charity and feeding the poor. It is a beautiful manifestation of Allah's mercy upon His creation.

Wallahu A'lam (And Allah knows best).

Location:

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