By Muslim Media Practitioners 


The pregnant woman and the breastfeeding woman may suspend fasting if she fears for her health or the health of her pregnancy or the health of the child she is breastfeeding.


The evidence for this is the Hadith narrated by Anas Ibn Malik al-Ka'bi (may Allah be pleased with him), that Allah's Messenger (SAW) said, " Verily, Allah has rescinded half of prayer for the Wayfarer and has rescinded fasting for the Wayfarer, the breastfeeding and the pregnant woman". This Hadith is in Sunan Ibn Majah, number 1669.


The Islamic scholars had differed on whether the pregnant woman or the breastfeeding woman will restitute the missed fasting.


According to some of the companions of the prophet (SAW), like Abdullah Ibn Umar, Abdullah Ibn Abass, may Allah be pleased with them, and Ishaq Ibn Rahawaih, the pregnant or nursing woman would not restitute but should feed the needy in lieu of missed fasting.


Their evidence is Surah Baqarah verse 184:"....And for those who find it hard to bear, there is a ransom by feeding a poor man..."


They said the above verse includes the elderly who cannot fast, the pregnant and nursing mother.

This message is sponsored by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo State Chapter.



Ramadan Kareem.