Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Resolution No.(284): "About Fasting Ramadan by Person Infected with Corona Virus"

Date Added : 03-06-2020

 

Resolution No.(284)(4/2020) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:

 "About Fasting Ramadan by Person Infected with Corona Virus" 

Date: (22/Sha`ban/1441 AH), corresponding to (16/4/2020).

 

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

At its third meeting held on the above date, the Board reviewed the question about fasting Ramadan by person infected with corona virus?

After careful consideration, the Board has taken the following decision:

Fasting Ramadan is prescribed to our nation as it was prescribed to nations before us to purify our hearts from sin and our elevate status in the sight of Allah for fasting is His and He rewards for it without measure. He the Almighty Says (what means): "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint." {Al-Baqarah,183}.

Islamic Sharia intends every facility to the sick, including those infected with corona virus, who fear harm from observing prescribed fast. Thus, the patient-who is advised by medical doctors not to fast to prevent his health from deteriorating or in order for him to make a speedy recovery-should make use of this concession and make up missed fasts when able to. As for the healthy person who isn`t on a journey, he is obliged to observe fast and not entitled to any exemptions in this regard. Rather, such a person should be keen on observing fast during pandemic and encourage himself to do so by drawing closer to Allah through making repentance and performing different acts of devotion. Allah Says {what means}: " Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful." {Al-Baqarah, 185}. And Allah the Almighty Knows Best. 

 

Chairperson of Iftaa` Board,

Grand Mufti of Jordan,

Dr. Abdulkareem al-Khasawneh

Dr. Mohammad al-khalayleh

Dr. Mahmoud al-Sartawi, Member

Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi, Member

Dr. Majed al-Darawsheh, Member

Dr. Ahmad al-Hasanat, Member

Judge Khalid Woraikat, Member

Prof. Adam Nooh Al-Qhodaat/Member

Dr. Jamil Khatatbeh/Member

Dr. Amjad Rasheed/Member

Dr. Mohammad Al-Zou`bi/ Member

Decision Number [ Previous | Next ]


Summarized Fatawaa

If someone starts the day sick or traveling while fasting, is it permissible for them to break their fast?

● A sick person who finds fasting difficult is allowed to break their fast, whether they began the day fasting or not.
● As for a traveler:
○ If they were still at home at dawn and then traveled after Fajr (dawn), they must continue fasting unless they experience extreme hardship, in which case they may break their fast.
○ However, if they were already traveling when dawn broke—meaning they had left their town before Fajr—then they are permitted to break their fast. This is what the Prophetﷺ did during the year of the conquest (of Makkah).

Should a person feel pleased, or have a virtuous vision after offering Istikhara (guidance prayer) in order to do what he/she had offered it for?

The result of the Istikhaarah is not necessarily that a person sees something (in his dream), or feels pleased, but the most important result of the Istikhaarah is whether a person is enabled to do a given matter or not.

Does using a gargling medicine break the fast?

If the medicine reaches the body cavity (jauf), the fast is invalidated. However, if it does not enter the body cavity, the fast remains valid.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using it during the day in Ramadan.

What is the ruling on fasting for those with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or ulcers?

● A sick person who is completely unable to fast is exempted from fasting and must offer fidyah (feeding a needy person), as Allah Almighty says {what means}: "and [in such cases] it is incumbent upon those who can afford it to make sacrifice by feeding a needy person." [Al-Baqarah/184]. They are not required to make up for the missed fasts.
● A sick person who can fast on some days but not others should fast when able and make up the missed days after Ramadan when possible. No fidyah is required in this case.
● If fasting during the long, hot summer days is too difficult for a sick person, but they can make up the fasts during the shorter, cooler winter days, they should break their fast and make up for it when they are able, without fidyah.