Fasting and Fidya
Hi, I have a chronic disease and metaplasia, I’m taking treatments for it now.
I’m also anaemic. I used to be able to fast easily, but it’s the second year now and due to this, I find it very difficult because I can’t take my medicines. And now I’m starting a proper treatment plan.
I wanted to know that if you are medically diagnosed with a chronic illness that requires treatment and medicinal support, are you exempted from fasting until you are healthy physically?
Also if you are exempted from fasting what is the ruling on Fidya and how much are you supposed to give for each day your fasting is missed?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala grant you quick and complete shifa.
If fasting is difficult for you due to the timings of the medicines then if possible you may time them so that you don’t need to take medicines during the time of fasting.
But if fasting is hard due to weakness then you may skip fasting now and fast later. There is no need to give fidyah.
As for the one who is not expected to recover from his illness or is too old to regain strength, is exempt form fasting and should pay fidyah.
The fidyah for one missed fast is the monetary equivalent of approximately 2 kg of wheat to be paid on commencement of Ramadan.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best