Fasting is one of the major pillars of Islam. It helps to strengthen our faith, keep us in discipline, and care for the poor. It is an act of worship in which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and certain physical acts from Fajr until Maghrib. It is a way of spiritual purification. Women face different challenges, such as breastfeeding, which can be demanding physically. It leads to a question: are women allowed to skip fasting during this phase of her life, or does she have to keep her fasts regularly?
Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى has mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286:
“God does not burden a soul beyond capacity.”
Ruling of Islam During Breastfeeding
Fasting is an obligation for every Muslim, but there are some exceptions. Breastfeeding mothers can face a reduction in milk supply, which can be harmful for the baby. There is agreement among scholars that breastfeeding women are allowed to skip fasts, which they can make up later as Qadah before next Ramadan. Islam does not burden any soul and always provides ease.
Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى has mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185:
“But a person who is ill or traveling (and fails to do so) should fast on other days, as God wishes ease and not hardship for you,”
Decision to Fast or Not for Breastfeeding Mothers
The situation and body of every woman and baby vary. It means that the decision to fast or not is up to the mother’s endurance and strength. Islam allows one to take this decision carefully. It depends on the mother if she feels confident and strong enough to fast without any disruption in milk supply.
Many women keep their fast while breastfeeding if their body allows. They maintain the body’s hydration by eating healthy meals. But if you notice any signs that your health is being affected, such as weakness or dizziness, you may postpone fasting. Islam urges the importance of Niyyah, thus keep your intentions pure.
Recommendations if Not Fasting
It is completely okay to not fast during the breastfeeding phase. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى has put an ease on every soul, thus one can delay the fasts and keep them when one feels healthy. The fasts can be kept after she weans off the child or feels strong enough to make up for the Qadha fasts. If a woman is unable to keep a long fast due to her condition, some scholars suggest paying Fidyah. Fidyah is to provide food for a poor person for one day.
As it is mentioned in the Quran Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184:
“Fast a (fixed number of days, but if someone is ill or is travelling, he should complete the number of days (he had missed); and those who find it hard to fast should expiate by feeding a poor person.”
Conclusion
Fasting is an integral spiritual practice in Islam. Islam is a religion of mercy, not hardship. Breastfeeding during Ramadan allows the women to have leverage and not fast, and take care of the child. It is also a devotion towards Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. One who feels she can fast may observe it with gratitude. But there is a strictness that one must keep fast during breastfeeding.
Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى grants women comfort during these days, and you can make up later when you feel well. Embracing motherhood and taking care of your child is also rewarding in its own and in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى’s eyes. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى sees the intention and efforts, so do not worry about missing the fasts. You can remain connected to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى by His remembrance, making duas, and giving charity.
FAQs
Q1) Is it allowed for women to breastfeed while fasting during Ramadan?
Ans: Yes. It is allowed if she is strong enough to manage breastfeeding while fasting, and there is no chance of any harm to her and the baby. But if the supply is reduced and she feels lethargic and unable to fast, she can keep her fasts later.
Q2) Is it compulsory to qadha (make up) the missed fasts for breastfeeding mothers?
Ans: Yes. They must make up for their missed fasts as soon as they feel healthy or wean off their child. The majority of scholars agree upon this.
Q3) What to do if someone does not make up for Qadah fasts before next Ramadan?
Ans: Due to some serious issues like health or ongoing feeding, one can keep the fast later. While some suggest giving fidyah for the missed fasts — feeding a poor person for one day.
Q4) Is it a sin to not keep fasts while breastfeeding?
Ans: No. It is not a sin, as Islam is not a religion of burdening any soul. In this case, it is a matter of the health of women as well as the baby; thus, there is no sin in it. Islam prioritizes the health of a living being; therefore, it is allowed to break fasts later when health permits.
Q5) Is it permissible to keep fasts on alternate days rather than the whole month?
Ans: Yes. It is permissible if it is easy for a woman to keep fasts on alternate days. Flexibility is allowed in Islam. In this way, a woman can maintain a balance and keep her body and milk supply healthy.
Q6) What are the helpful ways to maintain milk supply during fasting hours?
Ans: One can opt for healthy foods to maintain milk supply, such as fruits, vegetables, and soups, during Suhoor and Iftar. You can also add proteins, dairy, and nuts to your diet. It is a good way to maintain hydration. Avoid caffeine, as it can be a significant cause of early dehydration.
Q7) If not fasting, then how can I be connected to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى spiritually?
Ans: If not fasting, then you can indulge yourself in Dhikr of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and recitation of the Quran. Other than that, make a sincere dua and give charity. Looking after your child is also an act of worship, so take care of your baby with patience, and you will be rewarded.
