{"id":3035,"date":"2025-10-05T06:38:41","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T06:38:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imuslim.us\/?p=3035"},"modified":"2025-10-05T06:38:41","modified_gmt":"2025-10-05T06:38:41","slug":"can-muslim-medical-professionals-be-exempt-from-fasting-to-treat-coronavirus-patients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imuslim.us\/?p=3035","title":{"rendered":"Can Muslim Medical Professionals Be Exempt from Fasting to Treat Coronavirus Patients?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Question:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Can<\/a>

If the Muslim medical personnel can function without harming him\/herself or falling short in their duty to save lives, then they should indeed fast.<\/p><\/div>\n

Can Muslim medical professionals be exempt from fasting if fasting could potentially endanger the treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients?<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Answer:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Answering your question, Dr. Jasser Auda<\/strong><\/a>, Professor and Al-Shatibi Chair of Maqasid Studies at the International Peace College South Africa, states:<\/span><\/p>\n

Fasting<\/a> is one of the pillars of Islam and it is an obligation of every adult Muslim to fast every day of the month of Ramadan. Breaking the fast<\/a> for one day intentionally and without a good reason has to be compensated by 60 days of fasting – if possible, as is well known.<\/p>\n

However, there are reasons stated clearly in the Quran as to why a Muslim would be allowed to break his\/her fasting and makes up for the days later. Allah says:<\/p>\n

{O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous –<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days (are to be made up). And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.}<\/strong> (Al-Baqarah 2:183-5<\/a>)<\/p>\n

By way of analogy, Prophet Muhammad<\/a> (peace be upon him), his Companions after him, and scholars of Islam<\/a> throughout history in various contexts have allowed other forms of \u201chardship\u201d to be reasons for breaking the fasting.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, saving lives is a collective duty on every society and on the Muslim community particularly. Medical professionals under the current circumstances of Coronavirus<\/a> (COVID-19) have a heavier burden and a greater responsibility when it comes to the duty of saving lives.<\/p>\n

Therefore, it is not permissible for Muslim medical staff to take their vacations under these circumstances so that they would be able to fast.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, it is now a medical fact that fasting is a tool of boosting one\u2019s immune system and not to the contrary as some might think.<\/p>\n

Therefore, if the Muslim medical personnel can function without harming him\/herself or falling short in their duty to save lives, then they should indeed fast.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, that is if he\/she assessed that there will be harm to him\/her or their patients in any way, then they could break their fasting and make up for the days later during the year. Allah does not ask of a believer what puts them in hardship.<\/p>\n

Almighty Allah knows best.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

==============================<\/p>\n

Source:<\/strong> http:\/\/www.aboutislamnet<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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