Who is allowed to break fast?

Who is allowed to break fast?

Ibn Hajar al Haytami in his book “Tuhfat al Muhtaj” writes: “It is permissible for a sick person not to fast in the month of Ramadan or any other obligatory fast, if it can cause harm to the person so much that will make him resort to tayammum (in the presence of water).” [1]

“The third reason permitted for tayammum, is a condition in which there is a danger that the use of water can cause serious illness or aggravate it, but it is not mild headache or slight discomfort. It is also a danger of delaying recovery even in the absence of complications during the course of the illness.” [2]

“It is necessary to have an intention for the Sharia permission (rukhsa) for permission not to observe fasting because of illness.”

“If a traveler and a sick person do not observe fasting, then they are obliged to reimburse it after the cause has been eliminated.” [3]

According to Imam Ibn Hajar, a sick person is not only allowed to break the fast, but also the nonobservance of fasting is imputed, if there is a risk of a health hazard, aggravating a current disease or delaying the healing process. It is necessary to distinguish a serious disease from mild ailment.

References:

• [1] Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, vol. 3, p. 429
• [2] Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, vol. 1, p. 343
• [3] Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, vol. 3, p. 431-432