Fasting Ruling for Chronic Illness and Long-Term Health
Question
Assalamu alaykum, I would really appreciate guidance on the following matter according to the Hanafi madhhab. I have read that individuals with chronic illnesses may be exempt from fasting, and that fasting could even be sinful. However, I have also come across opinions stating that people with diabetes may still be required to fast and make up missed fasts. This has left me uncertain about my own situation. I have cystic fibrosis and CF-related diabetes, both of which are chronic conditions. To manage my health, I take at least 9 different medications daily including multiple insulin injections. While I can choose when to take my medications, there are certain times of day that are medically optimal. Although my diabetes is currently well controlled, I am unsure whether fasting would be harmful in the long term. I also came across the following resource discussing the medical risks of fasting with cystic fibrosis, which suggests that one may be exempt but should consult an imam: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-02/INF8-3-5%20-%20FS%20-%20Ramadan%20and%20CF%202025-1.pdf My main concern is that while fasting may not be immediately life-threatening, it could potentially cause long-term harm. I am also underweight and struggle to gain weight due to cystic fibrosis, and I worry that fasting could worsen this. At the same time, I am concerned about whether I am sinful for not properly exploring this matter and trying to take the easy way out by avoiding fasting without sufficient justification. My doctor is not Muslim, so I am unsure how to weigh their medical advice in this context. With all this said, am I considered exempt from fasting and if not, how do I make up for 15 Ramadans of missed fasts without causing harm? JazakAllah khair for your time and guidance. Sameer
Islamic Ruling & Answer
VerifiedWaleykumusslam,
If fasting is likely to harm your health, whether immediately or in the long term, then according to Hanafi fiqh you are allowed to miss the fast, and this is not a sin. Islam does not require a sick person to damage their body to prove sincerity. Long-term harm such as weight loss, worsening diabetes, weakness, or delayed healing is also considered valid. A person with a chronic illness and no clear hope of recovery is treated as excused from fasting, and in such a case fidyah applies instead of making up fasts. Medical advice is accepted if the doctor is skilled and trustworthy, even if the doctor is not Muslim. If the same illness and health risks existed in previous years, then missed fasts from those years do not require qada and fidyah should also be given for those fasts, calculated for each missed fast. (However, if after paying the ransom, one gains the strength and time to fast before death, it will be necessary to make up those fasts, and the ransom will be replaced by a voluntary charity.)
References :
(1) وَإِنْ خَافَ الْمَرِيضُ زِيَادَةَ الْمَرَضِ أَوْ تَأَخُّرَ الشِّفَاءِ أَفْطَرَ
Translation :
If a sick person fears worsening of illness or delay in recovery, he may leave the fast.
(2) وَالْمَرِيضُ الَّذِي لَا يُرْجَى بُرْؤُهُ يُفْطِرُ وَيُطْعِمُ
Translation :
A patient who is not expected to recover does not fast and gives fidyah.
(3) يُعْتَبَرُ قَوْلُ الطَّبِيبِ الْحَاذِقِ وَلَوْ كَانَ كَافِرًا
Translation :
The opinion of a skilled doctor is accepted even if he is non-Muslim.
(4) إِذَا كَانَ الْمَرَضُ مُسْتَمِرًّا لَا تَجِبُ الْقَضَاءُ بَلِ الْفِدْيَةُ
Translation :
If the illness is permanent, making up fasts is not required; fidyah is given.
Your intention is sincere, and by protecting your health you are following the ease Allah has given, not committing any sin.
May Allah grant you complete healing, peace of heart, and ease through His mercy. Ameen.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
February 09, 2026
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