Question:

What do the scholars and experts of shari’ah say regarding a person who does not have the ability to keep the fast. The person is also not in a position pay the fidya. What must he now do?

Answer:

Fasting has been made obligatory upon every sane, adult, male and female Muslim on condition that they are physically able to do so. If a person is unable to fast from true dawn till sunset for a valid reason such as an illness, then they have been given permission to leave the fast. If a person is advised by a Muslim medical professional that fasting will cause one’s health to worsen, then it becomes wajib for a person not to fast.

If the illness is temporary and then upon recovery a person will make up any missed fasts. If there is no chance of recovering, such as old age or a long-term illness, then a person will pay fidya. This is an expiatory payment given to a poor person, equivalent to 2kg of wheat, for each fast missed. This will be the ruling if a person is financially able to do so. However, if one is financially struggling and unable to afford the fidya, then there is nothing obliged upon him.

This is a mercy from Allah ﷻ that those who are in such a difficulty have been given an exemption. When discussing fasting, the Holy Qur’an states: “Allah intends ease for you, not hardship.” (Surah al-Baqarah: 185) In another verse it says… “and laid upon you no hardship in the religion.” (Surah Haj: 78) “And do not let your own hands throw you into destruction.” (Surah al-Baqarah: 195)

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra has narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Do what I command you to the best of your ability and capacity.” (Bukhari)

And Allah ﷻ knows the best

This fatwa is written by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Munir Al-Azhari