Is this permissible during Ramadan?

Question

My husband is not medically ill or on any medication at this time but he has an extremely hard time fasting. He will get severe stomache pains and headaches all day long. What he has been doing so far is around the middle of the day he has a glass of water, or something to drink, and a small meal or snack. Then he goes the rest of the day with out food. This way he is only eating a small amount rather then his normal intake of food. He still struggles with this too though. He also donates for everyday of Ramadan because he is not fasting properly. In the past he has had many problems such and ulcers. He knows that this is not going to go away so by him making up the das later he will still have the same problem.

I read somewhere online that Allah wants us to learn self-discipline during ramadan and he wants us to struggle...but not suffer. My husband definately suffers from an entire day with no food or drink. I also feel guilty that I am unable to fully help him because I am not able to fast. I am 34 weeks pregnant right now and can not fast with him. I definately do my best to eat and drink when he is not in the room or around to see me, although it is hard since we live in an apartment.

Please let me know if what he is doing is okay for his situation. He feels that fasting with so much pain is going to cause his ulcers to return. Please let me know of any suggestions that you have.

Thank you very much and Salaam Alaikum :)

Oh and HAPPY RAMADAN to all!!!! :) :)

Answer 1

Peace..

Ignore those who anger you...

Your husband MUST stop fasting, if he has the fear that his ulcers will come back, and IF he gets severe problems in his body, then he must stop fasting. If he doesnt stop fasting he will suffer and as u already know allah does not want you to suffer.

The whole point of fasting is learning self restraint, discipline and becoming a better muslim. Well if ur husband eats or drinks water then he should not stay hungry for the rest of the day because he is excused from fasting due to his medical problems. As Islam always say, "health comes first" if u cannot fast then feed a poor person, if u cannot do that then give money to charity. There is a specific amount to give so you should research that. You are also excused from fasting for the sake of ur child, and this is a medical situation as with ur husband.

Your husband must NOT fast at all and should eat and drink because if he fasts and breaks it halfway, he will get gunah (sin) for breaking it. So best is that he keeps away from fasting until he knows he can do it without his body being affected.However, remember all muslims get headaches and stomach pains BUT if his is serious then he must stop or the only thing he will gain from the fasting will be only hunger and thirst, and nothing else..

Allah is kind that is why he has allowed ur husband to NOT fast. As all the sick, pregnant people in the world.

Also, it is allowed to say Ramadaan Mubarak, it is definatly not haram.

If u need more opinions you should go to ur local imam.

Allah is all forgiving

Peace

Answer 2

The Shariah states that:

: If a person is overwhelmed by hunger  or thirst, and runs the risk of worsening sickness, or delayed recovery of sickness, or unconsciousness, or mental derangement, or risk of life, they have valid reason and are allowed to break the Fast.

There is Fidyah recompensation:

: 3Ibs = 1.6kg of flour or the equivalent, given in cash to a poor and needy person.

(Fidyah is not to be confused with Zakat)

Answer 3

Dear Sister,

Please consult a Muslim doctor who is elligible and religious that can help classify your husband's situation and tell him what to do accordingly.

Please do not listen to people who do not know about this and who just blurt out random answers.

Answer 4

By reading what you have mentioned, he is allowed to not fast in Ramadan. However, what he is doing does not constitute fasting. I think he can have regular meals in private. But consult some scholar directly and explain the problem.

Answer 5

In actual fact sister your husband should not be fasting at all if his health is at stake. Make intention to participate fully in prayer which is more important, get your husband to pay the fidyah (money for not fasting due to illness or ill health) and let him eat correctly and drink water throughout the day as acidity builds up on an empty stomach and can be bad for his health. Allah knows all and is most forgiving and merciful. Make prayer your number one priority as staying without food and water is not the essence of Ramadan. Ramadan is to cleanse ourselves spiritually and to come closer and closer to Allah.

And Allah knows best...

Answer 6

You are not permitted to fast if you have an illness or a problem which could later put your health at risk. In regards to your husband suffering with Ulcers - they can drain the life and soul out of you but are better if you eat less as food can aggravate it.

I suggest feeding a poor family for the duration of Ramadan, it would be better for your Husband, also speak to a health professional about it.

God knows and sees all, he knows what is best for you, if your Husband is suffering, he should not fast.

Ramadan Mubaraak my Sister

Answer 7

Allah or God is far more understanding than Mullahs.

We have a saying which says

be more care full of the Kings barber than the king himself.

The barber  wants to prove his loyalty to the king and can land u in trouble .

Many treat Allah  as a Mafia boss surrounded by ego flattering goons eager to please the Boss by an exhibition of slavish devotion and throwing their weight around.

Answer 8

How can you say 'Happy Ramadan' describing suffering of your own husband??

Answer 9

I think this question is serious and you need to ask someone professional.

Maybe go to a nearby Mosque and ask 1 of the sisters.

Good Luck

Answer 10

Peace to you and happy Ramadan,

Fasting is very hard for many people due to the physical strain upon the body like your husband's ulcers and your blessed pregnancy.  First you must understand the true purpose of the fast, is it not to learn that sacrifice for others pleases God and teaches others?  God loves us or He would have not sent us the gift of life.  Life is a physical struggle BUT, it is also a spiritual struggle.  Your husband is truly a good man because his failure to fast disturbs him greatly.  God sees and He knows  He is more pleased by what your husband feels in his heart than the thousands who fast and give it no thought.  I would say to you be blessed yet it is we who are blessed by this lesson.  Your husband has pleased his God greatly and all who have read this have learned from it. May your child be wise and strong it has a father that truly loves God!  

Answer 11

Assalamo Alaikum!

You are correct in saying Allah wants us to struggle, not suffer.  Your husband is clearly suffering and it is illogical to continue fasting.  Fidya is the substitute for this matter and it seems he is doing it.  There are other ways to fast besides not eating/drinking.  He can offer fidya, eat/drink minimal, and partake in the rest of the blessings of Ramadan to the best of his ability.  I suggest he fast as long as he can one day and then as soon as it becomes a suffering pain, break it.  But the next day, try to go a little longer.  And the day after, go a little longer than the day before.  Inshallah, Allah will Provide.

Answer 12

No God would want any human to suffer for any reason at all. Any God that does is no God, but a Despot, a s****t like Sadam Hussein or any other Tyrant. A religion that makes a person suffer so they can be rewarded is no religion from God, at least that is what I would say.

Fasting is for poor people who cannot afford to eat, it makes them feel happy to think they are doing something for a God while having to remain hungry.