Diabetic breaking his fast

· 13 Jumada II 1438 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

A diabetic, against the advice of a medical practitioner, fasts during the month of Ramadhan. Most days he manages quite well and is able to complete the fast. But now and then, he experiences hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar level) and then there is no alternative but to eat something immediately as otherwise it can lead to unconsciousness or coma within 2 minutes.

In the circumstances, what then is the penalty (if any) for each fast so broken and is it imperative to make up the missed fasts after Ramadhan or is one excused? And is Kaffara also payable and, if so, how much for each broken fast?

Answer

He must just keep one qadha.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

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