Should pregnant women fast?

If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman fears harm to herself or her child, she is allowed to break her fast.

The book Fatawa al-Hindiyya states: "If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman fears harm to herself or her child, she may break her fast. She must make up the missed fasts later (when able). There is no expiation (kaffarah) required for breaking the fast in this case. This is also mentioned in the book Khulasa."

In a hadith narrated from Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Indeed, Allah has relieved the traveler of half the prayer and fasting (i.e., allowed shortening the prayer and breaking the fast), and He has not made fasting obligatory for pregnant and breastfeeding women (i.e., allowed them to break their fast)" (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah).

Anyone who is ill (after recovery), traveling (after returning), or women in a state of menstruation or postnatal bleeding (after their period ends), as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women (after the breastfeeding period), must make up their missed fasts.

Allah says in Surah al-Baqarah, verse 184: "Fasting is prescribed for a fixed number of days. But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days." Imam al-Bukhari, in the chapter "Ayyaman Ma'dudat" (A Fixed Number of Days), explains: "If a breastfeeding or pregnant woman fears harm to herself or her child, both may break their fast and make it up later."

However, if a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is able to fast, it is better for her to do so. Allah says: "But to fast is better for you, if you only knew" (Surah al-Baqarah, verse 184).

Therefore, if a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is able, it is preferable not to delay the fast and to observe it in its prescribed time. However, if fasting would harm her or her child, and this is confirmed by trustworthy and qualified doctors, then Shariah permits her to postpone fasting.

Hasan AMANKUL