It is permissible for a pregnant woman not to fast if she fears some harm which she thinks will most likely affect her and/or her baby. Praise be to Allah. This question covers three topics: 1-The ruling on a pregnant woman breaking her fast in Ramadan. 2-How a miscarriage in Ramadan affects a woman’s fast. Pregnant Muslim women may be religiously exempt from fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, especially if there is concern for undue hardship or harm to maternal or fetal health. However, several studies demonstrate that most women still choose to fast during pregnancy and avoid discussing fasting with their providers. When you are pregnant, you may take an exception or rukhsah and not fast. So, if you can, the default is to fast. And if you think it’s hard to fast pregnant in the summer, try fasting in the summer while you’re nursing and with a baby around (which is where you’ll be in Ramadan one year from now!). Fasting during Ramadan has been mainly associated with signs and symptoms of maternal fatigue and dehydration, with a minimal decrease in weight gain. There is conflicting data regarding the association with gestational diabetes mellitus and insufficient data on maternal hypertension. Pregnant Muslim women may be religiously exempt from fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, especially if there is concern for undue hardship or harm to maternal or fetal health. However, several studies demonstrate that most women still choose to fast during pregnancy and avoid discussing fasting with their providers. Yes, it may be ok to fast during Ramadan while pregnant. Fasting during Ramadan while pregnant is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. Research suggests potential risks, including preterm delivery and low birth weight, which can impact the child’s long-term health. Islamic authorities agree that worry for your health or your child’s health during pregnancy is a valid reason to break fast. If you find yourself unable to fast during Ramadan, there are ways you can make up for it through giving to charity or fasting on days outside Ramadan. Ramadan fasting does not adversely affect birth weight although there is insufficient evidence regarding potential effects on other perinatal outcomes. Further studies are needed to accurately determine whether Ramadan fasting is associated with adverse maternal or neonatal outcome. Fasting for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Islamic Rulings and Guidance . Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a deeply spiritual act of worship that brings Muslims closer to Allah (SWT). However, while fasting is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims, Islam provides exceptions for certain Islamic rulings offer flexibility to pregnant and breastfeeding women during Ramadan, allowing you to choose whether to fast or to opt out. If you decide not to fast, you can make up the missed fasts at a later date or perform Fidyah (a fixed sum of charitable donation) instead. Cases of fasting during pregnancy. It should be noted that it may be permissible, obligatory or haram for a pregnant woman not to fast. It is permissible for her not to fast if fasting is too difficult for her, but will not harm her. It is obligatory for her (not to fast) if fasting will cause harm to her or her baby. Background Although exempt, many pregnant Muslim women partake in the daily fast during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan. In other contexts an impoverished diet during pregnancy impacts on birth weight. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether Ramadan fasting by pregnant women affects perinatal outcomes. Primary outcomes investigated were perinatal mortality Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Arabian Tongue Team. Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is an essential obligation for all healthy adult Muslims. However, Islam is a religion of ease and compassion, and there are exceptions for those who might face harm by fasting. Why do some pregnant women fast? Sometimes pregnant women fast for religious reasons. Many religions — including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism — have sects that practice faith-based fasting around certain holidays, such as Ramadan, Yom Kippur, and Lent. Background Ramadan during pregnancy is associated with adverse offspring health outcomes. Recent evidence from Europe indicates that maternal diet during non-fasting hours might alleviate these effects. This study describes fasting, diet, and sleep habits among pregnant Muslims in Kaduna, Nigeria, and assesses impacts on neonatal health in this setting. Methods Between July 2023 and February A survey of Muslim women in Singapore who did Ramadan fasting during their pregnancy found that 87 per cent chose to fast for at least one day and 33 per cent fasted for all 30 days. Some Muslim women who fasted during pregnancy say it is possible to fast during pregnancy without ill effects. One of these reviews summarized the findings of 15 primary studies, of which one study with 402 participants reported that the mean birth weight was significantly lower in the Ramadan-fasting group (P = 0.024), while 14 primary studies did not find a significant difference in the birth weight between Ramadan-fasting and non-fasting group. 24 The impact of fasting during pregnancy may depend on the overall health of the mother, the stage of pregnancy and the time of year Ramadan occurs. More research is needed to fully understand what impact fasting may have on the health and development of the baby and what that may mean for the child’s health in later life. One form of intermittent fasting during pregnancy is adherence to the Ramadan fast. During Ramadan, which lasts for 29–30 days, adult Muslims abstain from food and drinks during daylight hours. Most Muslim pregnancies overlap with a Ramadan and many pregnant Muslims decide to fast. Why is Ramadan Important in Islam? Fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a time for self-discipline, gratitude, and seeking closeness to Allah. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, avoiding food, drink, and sinful behavior while engaging in prayer, charity, and Quranic recitation. Who is Required to Fast During Ramadan?
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