Categories of People Permitted to Feed Instead of Fasting

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation for every Muslim who is able to perform it. However, Allah in His mercy has granted exemptions to certain categories of people who cannot fast due to valid reasons. Such individuals are permitted to feed a poor person (fidyah) for each missed day.

This article explains those categories, supported by Qur’anic evidence and scholarly opinions.

1. Elderly People Who Cannot Fast

Elderly men and women who are physically too weak to fast, or whose health would be harmed by fasting, are exempt.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And upon those who are unable to fast, there is a ransom: feeding a poor person.”
— Qur’an 2:184

Ibn Abbas (RA) interpreted this verse saying:

“This refers to the old man and the old woman who cannot fast; they should feed a poor person for each day.”
— (Reported by al-Bukhari)

Such individuals do not need to make up the fast, only to offer fidyah.

2. Chronically Ill People With No Hope of Recovery

People with long-term illnesses—such as certain heart conditions, advanced diabetes, or diseases requiring constant medication—who cannot fast safely are also allowed to give fidyah.

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (RA) stated:

“Whoever has a chronic illness with no hope of recovery may break the fast and feed a poor person for every day.”

These individuals are not required to make up missed fasts because their condition is permanent.

3. Pregnant Women (When There Is Fear of Harm)

Pregnant women who fear for their own health or the health of their unborn child may skip fasting.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Allah has relieved the traveler of fasting and half of the prayer, and relieved pregnant and breastfeeding women of fasting.”
— (Reported by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi)

Scholars differ slightly on the ruling:

  • Many say they must make up the fast later when they are able.
  • Some say they should both make up the fast and give fidyah if they feared specifically for the child.

4. Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding mothers who worry that fasting might reduce their milk supply or weaken them to the point of harming the baby may also delay fasting.

Ibn Qudamah (RA) wrote:

“If the nursing mother fears for her child, she may break the fast and later make up the days, and if the harm is severe she may give fidyah as well.”

5. People With Severe Thirst or Hunger Due to Medical Conditions

Some people suffer from medical issues that cause:

  • Intense dehydration
  • Rapid sugar drops
  • Conditions requiring frequent hydration

If fasting poses a serious risk, they fall under the same ruling as the chronically ill:
they give fidyah without making up the fast.

6. Those Whose Work Poses Extreme Hardship

Individuals whose work involves unavoidable extreme conditions—such as:

  • Miners
  • Construction workers in extreme heat
  • Laborers exposed to high physical strain

If they genuinely cannot fast without risking health or safety, scholars allow:

  1. Breaking the fast during extreme hardship, and
  2. Making up the days later when conditions ease.

If their situation is permanent (no alternative, no ability to take leave), some scholars allow fidyah.

How Much Feeding (Fidyah) Should Be Given?

The fidyah is feeding one poor person per missed day, either:

  • Providing a cooked meal,
  • Providing staple food (like rice, grains), or
  • Paying the equivalent cost of a meal.

Ibn Umar (RA) and Ibn Abbas (RA) used to give a handful measure (mudd) of food per day.

Conclusion

Islam is a faith of mercy, ease, and compassion. Fasting is an act of worship, but Allah has given clear allowances for those who genuinely cannot observe it.

As Allah says:

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”
— Qur’an 2:286

If you fall into any of these categories, there is no sin in not fasting. Instead, follow the rulings of fidyah or make up the fast when able.

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