Should Pregnant Women Fast in Ramadan?

Should Pregnant Women Fast in Ramadan?

Every Ramadan, we get queries from pregnant women or nursing mothers on whether they should fast. The answer is actually not as complicated as one fears.

The Pregnant and Breast–Feeding Woman

If the Muslim woman is pregnant and she fears for herself or the child she is carrying, she may break her fast. Then, when her excuse has gone, she makes up for missed days of fasting. If she is wealthy, she should give charity with a Mudd of wheat along with each day that she fasts. This will be more complete for her and greater in reward.

Likewise is the ruling in reference to the breast-feeding woman if she fears for

herself or for her child and she cannot find anyone to breast feed the child (for her), or if the child will not breast-feed from anyone other than her. 

This ruling is derived from the statement of Allah the Most High:

“And as for those who can fast with difficulty, they have to feed a poor person as compensation.” (The Holy Quran, 2:184)

For the meaning of “Who can fast” is that they are able to do so, however with extreme difficulty. So they break their fast and make up for the days or feed poor

person (for each day).

Important Notes:

Whoever delays in making up for the missed fasting of Ramadan without an excuse until the next Ramadan comes upon him, then he must make up of fasting. Whoever dies having fasts to make up, his responsible heir makes up for the owed fasting on his behalf. 

This is due to the Prophet’s statement:

”Whoever died while having fasting due upon him, his responsible heir fasts on his behalf.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

There is also the Prophet’s statement to the person who asked him:

“Verily my mother dies and she owed a month’s fasting that she did not make. Should I make up for the fasting on her behalf?” He replied: “Yes, the debt owed to Allah has more right to be made up.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Source: FIQH OF RAMADAN :A COMPREHENSIVE AND CONCISE GUIDE ABOUT RAMADAN FROM MINHAJ ALMUSLIM