Quranic Foundation
Allah says in the Quran:
““Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship.”
(Quran 2:185)
This verse underscores the compassionate nature of Islamic law, which balances obligation with mercy. Below is a detailed explanation of fasting exemptions and compensations according to the Hanafi school of thought, along with spiritual insights.
1. Who Is Exempt from Fasting?
Islam provides exemptions for those who face genuine hardship, ensuring that fasting remains a source of spiritual growth rather than a burden.
A. Temporary Exemptions (Require Qadha)
1. The Sick (Marid)
- Ruling: Temporarily exempt if fasting worsens illness; missed fasts must be made up later.
- Source: Hidayah (Vol. 1, p. 123) states, “The sick are exempt until recovery, then they compensate.”
- Spiritual Insight: Imam Ghazali writes,
“Allah’s mercy encompasses the sick; their patience in hardship is worship.”
(Ihya Ulum al-Din). Intentional Sexual Intercourse
2. Travelers (Musafir)
- Ruling: Exempt if the journey exceeds 77 km (48 miles). Fasting is optional but praiseworthy if manageable.
- Source: Radd al-Muhtar (Vol. 3, p. 420) states, “Travelers may break fast but must compensate later.”
- Example: A business traveler may fast if feasible or delay until safely home.
3. Pregnant/Nursing Women (Hamil wa Murdi’a)
- Ruling: Exempt if fasting harms the mother or child. Compensate via Qadha (if temporary) or Fidya (if permanent).
- Hadith:
“Allah has lifted fasting from pregnant and nursing women.”
-
- Ethical Note: Scholars urge prioritizing maternal health, as Allah says,
“No soul is burdened beyond its capacity.”
(Quran 2:286)“
4. Menstruating/Postnatal Women (Hayd & Nifas)
- Ruling: Exempt if fasting harms the mother or child. Compensate via Qadha (if temporary) or Fidya (if permanent).
- Hadith:
“Make up the fasts, not the prayers.”
(Sahih Muslim 335)
B. Permanent Exemptions (Require Fidya)
5. The Elderly (Sheikh Kabir/Ajuz)
- Ruling: Exempt if fasting causes severe hardship; pay Fidya instead.
- Source: Fath al-Qadeer (2/134) states, “The elderly feed one poor person per missed fast.”
- Spiritual Insight: Sheikh Jilani states,
“Allah values sincerity over strain; feed the hungry and earn His pleasure.”
(Futuh al-Ghayb)
6. Chronically Ill
- Ruling: Exempt permanently; pay Fidya (1.6 kg wheat or monetary equivalent per fast).
- Example: A diabetic patient pays £5/day (local rates apply).
II. Compensations: Qadha, Fidya, and Kaffarah
A. Qadha (Makeup Fasts)
- When: For temporary exemptions (sickness, travel, etc.).
- Deadline: Before the next Ramadan; delays require Fidya (per Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya 1/202).
B. Fidya (Feeding the Poor)
- Amount: 1.6 kg wheat or its value per fast (e.g., £150 for 30 days at £5/day).
- Quranic Basis:
“For those who cannot fast, feed a poor person.”
(Quran 2:184)
- Ethical Tip: Distribute Fidya during Ramadan for multiplied rewards.
C. Kaffarah (Expiation for Deliberate Violations)
- Triggers: Intentional eating/drinking, sexual intercourse, or refusal to fast without a valid excuse.
- Options:
- Fast 60 consecutive days (restart if interrupted; Hidayah 1/127).
- Feed 60 poor people (two meals each) or donate 1.6 kg wheat/person.
- Hadith:
“One who breaks Ramadan without excuse cannot compensate it, even with lifelong fasting.”
(Sunan Abu Dawud 2397; weak chain but upheld by Hanafi jurists)
III. Practical Scenarios & Rulings
1. Accidental Eating/Drinking
- Ruling: Fast remains valid.
- Hadith:
“Allah fed them; let them complete their fast.”
(Sahih Bukhari 6669)
2. Vomiting
- Unintentional: Valid fast.
- Deliberate: Invalidates fast (Qadha required; Radd al-Muhtar 3/412).
3. Swallowing Saliva/Mucus
- Permissible: Does not break the fast (Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya 1/202).
4. Wet Dreams
- No Effect on Fast: Requires ghusl only (Hidayah 1/125).
IV. Conclusion: Wisdom in Divine Law
Fiqh Reminder:
For complex cases (e.g., medical injections), consult qualified scholars. Refer to Radd al-Muhtar (3/407) for detailed rulings.
Spiritual Takeaway:
“Allah’s exemptions reflect His Names: the Merciful, the Wise. Trust His decree and compensate with sincerity.”
(Inspired by Ihya Ulum al-Din)
Allah says in the Quran:
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.”
(Quran 2:286)
Note: The rulings summarized here are based on the Hanafi school of thought. Other schools (e.g., Shafi’i) may differ slightly.
References
- Hidayah – Al-Marghinani
- Radd al-Muhtar – Ibn Abidin
- Ihya Ulum al-Din – Imam Ghazali
- Futuh al-Ghayb – Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani
- Fath al-Qadeer – Ibn al-Humam
Disclaimer: This article is a simplified guide to the rulings on fasting exemptions and compensations according to the Hanafi school. For specific or complex situations, consult qualified scholars. May Allah guide us to perfect our worship in both its outward and inward dimensions.
