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Fatwa CenterInability to fast due to intense heat
Question
Assalaamu alaykum, Shaykh. I made hijrah to a Muslim country 1,5 years ago, praise be to Allaah, but the problem is that last Ramadan, I tried to fast, but I could only fast one day, and that was a day where I was forced to stay in bed all day. Every time I would stand up, I would almost faint because it is so hot here, and if I drink, I become very sick; my heart starts to beat really fast, I cannot breath, and I faint. Praise be to Allaah, I fasted the missed days of Ramadan in the winter, when it was colder, but what should i do about the coming Ramadan? My health is really, really bad. I have heart problems and blood problems and other health issues that make it impossible for me to fast in very hot weather. Also, I living here alone with my three small children, so if something were to happen to me, there is nobody here who could help me. My husband lives in other country, and I do not have anybody here. I am also very sad due to not being able to fast ramadan because Ramadan gives such a special feeling, and fasting at other times does not provide the same feeling as in Ramadan. Please advise.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
You can protect yourself from the intense heat of the summer by staying in the shade or in air-conditioned places and the like, especially given that the woman, like the dear questioner, does not have to go outdoors often. The means to lighten and even overcome heat are available in our present time. So you should try to make use of these means if you can.
However, if it is truly difficult for you to fast and fasting is an unbearable hardship for you, either because of the intense heat or due to your poor health condition, then you are allowed to refrain from fasting and you have to make up for the missed days of fasting after that, when it is possible for you, before the following Ramadaan starts. For more benefit, please refer to fatwa 83400.
Allah knows best.
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