Answer to frequently asked questions

Q. Is fasting harmful when a woman is expecting a baby? Is it compulsory to fast while pregnant?
It is not compulsory to fast while pregnant, but the woman will either need to make up those fasts later or, if unable to do this, should perform Fidyah*.
There is some medical evidence to show that fasting in pregnancy is not advisable. If a pregnant woman feels strong and healthy enough to fast, especially during the early part of the pregnancy, she may do so. If she does not feel well enough to fast, Islamic law gives her clear permission not to fast and to make up the missed fasts later.
Q. Can I use an asthma puffer during Ramadan?
Muslim jurists differ on this issue. Some leading jurists argue that using an asthma inhaler is not classified as eating or drinking, and is therefore permissible during fasting. Others argue that because the inhaler provides small amounts of liquid medicine to the lungs, it breaks the fast.
Perhaps the former view is stronger, since the inhaler assists with breathing and helps the person to fast, which means abstaining from food and drink.
According to the first view, asthmatics may fast and use their inhalers whenever required during fasting. According to the second view, asthmatics with poor control of their disease are advised not to fast until good control is achieved. Others may alter their inhalers to those of a longer-acting variety so that fasting may be feasible. Please consult a doctor for further advice.

*Fidyah: a method of compensation in Islam for a missed act of worship that must be otherwise fulfilled. If you are unable to fulfil a missed fast, for example due to an ongoing illness, you should feed a hungry person (two meals per day) if you are able to. Please consult an Islamic scholar for further details.

Source: National Health Service, UK