Disabled Muslims Australia

New or Expectant Mothers and Fasting/Ramadan

 

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are exempt from fasting, as the Prophet Mohammed taught, "Allah the Exalted... released the pregnant woman and the nursing woman from fasting" (Sahih Al-Bukhari), and must make up the fast at a later date. If making up the fast at a later date is too difficult for you, or will put your health, or that of your dependents, at risk then you can pay Fidya.  Some scholars are of the opinion that it is wrong to ignore this kindness from Allah and seek to fast when pregnant. The reasoning for this exemption can be clearly understood when one considers the serious health risks to the developing baby if their mother fasts. Women who fast during Ramadan have been found to have smaller babies, with an increased risk of learning disabilities extending into adulthood by roughly 20%. These impacts are greatest when fasting occurs early on in pregnancy. Whilst some women may fast and experience no harm to themself or their baby every pregnancy is different, and pregnancy is a great stress and can be a dangerous time for mother and baby. Even if you have fasted during pregnancy in the past and had no problems this does not mean that your next pregnancy will be the same. As Muslims we have a duty to our bodies. The Prophet Mohammed stated, according to Sahih Al-Bukhari, "Your body has a right over you." We should also respect the supreme wisdom behind Allah's decision to exempt pregnant women from fasting. No human's wisdom is greater. As stated by the Prophet Mohammed in Sahih Al-Bukhari, "Allah the Exalted... released the pregnant woman and the nursing woman from fasting."

 

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding women are exempt from fasting, as according to Sahih Al-Bukari the Prophet Mohammed taught, "Allah the Exalted... released the pregnant woman and the nursing woman from fasting." The missed fast must be made up at a later date. However, if this is too difficult, or would place your health, or that of your dependents, at risk then you can pay Fidya. Some scholars are of the opinion that it is wrong to ignore this kindness from Allah and seek to fast when breast feeding. If a woman follows a good and careful diet during non-fasting hours current research suggests that milk supply will not be decreased. However, the nutrient content, just as important as the quantity of milk, becomes unbalanced, with one study showing a decrease in zinc, magnesium and potassium, and a second showing a decrease in phosphorus and lactose. These nutrients are critical for your baby's development. Deficiencies can cause serious illness, disability, and even death. Breastfeeding women are also at greater risk of dehydration. As Muslims we are commanded to guard our health, as the Prophet Mohammed said, "Your body has a right over you", according to Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Hadith 127. For all these reasons the exemption regarding fasting for breastfeeding women can be easily understood. If, however, you do decide to fast then you need to take careful measures to ensure that you do not cause harm to yourself or your baby, and always speak to your doctor before beginning fasting:

 

• Increase your hydration, drinking at least 8 large glasses of water each day

 

• Watch for signs of dehydration, and immediately break your fast and drink water with sugar and salt, or preferably a rehydration drink. If the signs of dehydration do not improve in half an hour call your doctor. Signs to watch for: dark coloured urine, increased thirst, dizziness, confusion/disorientation, lethargy/tiredness/weakness, headache

 

• Never skip suhoor. Ensure you have plenty to drink and a good nutritious meal

 

• Ensure you eat a well balanced healthy diet rich in the vitamins your baby needs, taking into account that whilst breastfeeding you need to consume 400-500 more calories daily than when you are not breastfeeding. It is a good idea to take a prenatal vitamin to ensure your baby gets the nutrients he/she needs.

 

• Avoid exposure to eat and limit physical activity

 

• Watch for signs your baby is not getting enough milk, and immediately break your fast and see your doctor. Signs to watch for: fewer wet nappies (newborns should have several heavy, wet nappies each day), poo with a green tint, prolonged shrill crying or inability to settle, weight loss or not gaining weight

 

Even if you have fasted whilst breastfeeding in the past and had no problems this does not mean that next Ramadan will be the same. As Muslims we have a duty to our bodies. The Prophet Mohammed taught that "Your body has a right over you", according to Sahih Al-Bukhari. Muslims should also respect the supreme wisdom behind Allah's decision to exempt breastfeeding women from fasting. No human's wisdom is greater. As stated by the Prophet Mohammed in Sahih Al-Bukhari, "Allah the Exalted... released the pregnant woman and the nursing woman from fasting."