What do we do when we can not fast? – Rebecca Pena

Author: Rebecca Pena Hikal

What do we do when we can not fast? – Rebecca Pena

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam . We fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to Allah SWT, and it is a way for us to become more compassionate to those in need. However, what happens when we are unable to fast? How can we find our connection to Allah SWT when we are unable to fast? Ramadan is the month where many of us will strive to put in our best efforts to be close to Allah SWT mainly by fasting. 

Any form of worship which is valued in the sight of our Creator will come with challenges. 

For women, this fasting month will bring its own set of challenges. One of our greatest challenges is not only the inability to fast and recite the Quran due to menstruation. Many will feel sad and disappointed not wanting to waste these special opportunities during Ramadan. 

What about those who are unable to fast due to health reasons, such as pregnancy, diabetes, or any other health condition that requires the assistance of medication? Although these are all valid reasons to not fast, it can bring feelings of isolation and shame. 

My first year of being Muslim, Alhamdulilah, I was newly diagnosed as being a Type II diabetic. However, I was determined to fast no matter what. A dear friend of mine whose husband is a physician, was on the phone with me one morning telling me that it was okay that I break my  fast. Her husband, Dr. Ahmed was in the background telling her to tell me that I needed to break my fast and to not risk my health. My blood sugar had dropped to the 50’s She was telling me that if it harms me, then I am actually not allowed to fast. The fast was broken. Here come the feelings of disappointment. I had failed. The next year would bring the same disappointment and the next and the next. It wasn’t until 2020 that I was then able to successfully fast during the month of Ramadan. Alhamdulillah. Some may fast every other day and make up those days later, and as always please consult with your physician before making any decisions.  Whatever the reason is please remember that if it is detrimental to your health, you are not required to fast period.

However, there is more to Ramadan than just fasting. For those us who find fasting a challenge due to health reasons, what are some things that we can do to make up for our inability to fast? There are community initiatives , charity, spending time with family, and increasing our worship. If you are unable to fast, focusing on those other aspects of Ramadan will make you feel like you’re still part of this amazing experience. Here are some ways that we can make up for not being able to fast.

  1. Preparing food for those who fast

“ Whoever provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast with, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.”

( Sunan At- Tirmizi)

We can simply prepare or buy food for those who are fasting and we will receive the same reward! Amazing. Indeed, Allah is Al – Karim ( The Most Generous) 

  1. Remembrance of Allah 

“Indeed, by remembering Allah swt, the hearts will find tranquility.”

( Surah Ar- Ra’d 13: 28)

There are so many ways to remember Allah SWT such as reciting His majestic name repeatedly. 

  1. Recite duas and Quranic verses that you know by heart or listening to Recitations from the Quran

The big question for many has been can a woman recite Quran while on her menses? The simple answer is yes, as there are no Hadith that clearly state no. Although we can not touch the Quran, we can recite those verses in our heart and mind or listen to the beautiful recitations which are so pleasing to the ears and soothing for the hearts. Remembering Allah with sincerity will invoke His mercy for us. 

Allah’s messenger (SAW) made us recite the Quran in every condition provided one was not sexually defiled. 

  1. Sadaqah

This is the month of Sadaqah ( charity). Many of us tend to be more generous during this month due to the rewards that come from Allah swt. Some examples would be:

  • Donating to support a local mosque
  • Preparing food for people who are breaking fast 
  • Feeding someone who is less fortunate
  • Donating to to a local charity 
  1. Sharing our knowledge on social media

Although some will refrain entirely from social media during Ramadan, with good intentions and discipline, we can still use social media for good. For example sharing useful knowledge of our religion and other beneficial news and information.

Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.

( Sahih Muslim)

  1. Refraining from sins

As the true meaning of fasting is more than just fasting, it is more pertinent for us to control our sinful thoughts during this blessed month. For example, holding our tongues from sins such as backbiting, lying, or cursing. We need to make plans to busy ourselves by doing lots of good deeds that we become too occupied to commit any sins. At times we mail fail. What do we do then? Quickly seek forgiveness from Allah swt and say Astaghfirullah Aziim sincerely from the heart. Indeed Allah swt loves those who repent.

In conclusion, although the inability to fast may bring feelings of isolation, loneliness and feelings of disappointment, it is important to remember that there are so many things that we can do that will bring great rewards and are pleasing to Allah swt. May Allah strengthen our faith and keep us focused and disciplined  during this holy month of Ramadan and accept all of our fasts and duas. Ameen. InshaAllah. 

About the Author: Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014,  her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family.

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