Pregnancy in Ramadan

[Ramsha]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

So I went to my mom`s house today and everyone was making me taste things for salt or seasoning....

[S02]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

pinks: The Hadith is pretty straightforward, but I guess the person interpreting it does not agree.

[S02]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

So I went to my mom`s house today and everyone was making me taste things for salt or seasoning....

hehe I remember that!

I must say, I'm much hungrier and thirstier this year while nursing, than I was last year while pregnant.

[pinks]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

pinks: The Hadith is pretty straightforward, but I guess the person interpreting it does not agree.

thats what i thought too about that hadith... but considering that most of the major Imams are of the same view in regards to how that hadith is interpreted, then we have no choice but to accept their opinion as they are surely more knowledgable then we are.

[Sara516]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

Uhm. If it says pregnant women are exempt from fasting, then why are they saying they still have to? Doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

I say the person carrying the child inside of them knows better if they can fast.

I'm jus' sayin'.

[alishaht]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

I was in the 8th month of my pregnancy last yr and didnn't fast...still have to make up for those! :|

[pinks]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

Uhm. If it says pregnant women are exempt from fasting, then why are they saying they still have to? Doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

I say the person carrying the child inside of them knows better if they can fast.

I'm jus' sayin'.

Because each hadith has to be taken in context before a ruling can be derived from it. The average person isn't equipped with the knowledge to do that, hence the need for Alims/ Imams.

But again, if a woman feels that she cannot take the hardhsips of a fast and it is adversely affecting her health/ the baby's health, she has leave to break her fast.

[MIAinVA]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

Isn’t it better not to keep a fast than break it?

[S02]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

thats what i thought too about that hadith... but considering that most of the major Imams are of the same view in regards to how that hadith is interpreted, then we have no choice but to accept their opinion as they are surely more knowledgable then we are.

Well, the second link doesn't even give a textual reference. And the first is really adding to what the Hadith says. But you're right, context is important. I have just never heard of this before. In my family, regardless of degree of religious observance or country of birth, most people seem to feel women do not need to fast when pregnant.

[S02]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

What pinks linked, It is not permissible for pregnant and breastfeeding women to break the fast unless they fear for themselves or their children - Islam Question & Answer

It is not permissible for pregnant and breastfeeding women to break the fast unless they fear for themselves or their children
I read a hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has waived the fast for pregnant and breastfeeding women.” Does that mean that fasting is not obligatory for them whether it entails hardship or not?.

Praise be to Allaah.

This hadeeth was narrated by Abu Dawood, 2408; al-Tirmidhi, 715; al-Nasaa’i, 2315; and Ibn Maajah, 1667. It says that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has relieved the traveller of half of the prayer and of the duty to fast, and He has relieved pregnant and nursing mothers (of the duty to fast).” It was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

This hadeeth is general in meaning and applies to every pregnant woman, but the scholars limited it to cases of hardship, based on the reason for which this ruling – namely pregnant women not fasting – was prescribed.

I don’t understand how the writer clearly states that the Hadith applies to all pregnant women and yet the scholars have the authority to limit the application. If the Hadith applies, it just does. PERIOD.

This is similar to the reference to the sick in the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

It actually IS NOT like being sick. You can be “a little sick,” but you are never just “a little pregnant.” You are simply “pregnant.” More on the comparison with illness:

“and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

This applies to everyone who is sick, no matter how mild his illness. Some of the salaf, such as ‘Ata’, applied it in general terms, and this was the view favoured by al-Bukhaari. But the scholars, including the four Imams, rejected that general application and restricted it to cases of sickness where fasting causes hardship, based on the reason for which the ruling of not fasting was prescribed.

There are texts narrated from the scholars which state this restriction; indeed it was narrated that there was unanimous agreement among the scholars on this point, as we shall see below.

1 – Narrations from the salaf

Abu Dawood (2318) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said, concerning the verse “And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day)” [al-Baqarah 2:184]: This is a concession granted to old men and old women who are able to fast, allowing them to break the fast and to feed one poor person each day instead of fasting. (And this concession is also granted to) pregnant and breastfeeding women, if they fear (harm). Al-Nawawi said: Its isnaad is hasan.

So here Ibn ‘Abbaas restricted the concession granted to pregnant and breastfeeding women to cases where they feared harm, whether the harm was to themselves or to their children.

Al-Shaafa’i narrated in al-Umm: Maalik told us, narrating from Naafi’, that Ibn ‘Umar was asked about a pregnant woman, if she fears for her child. He said: She should not fast, and she should feed one poor person for each day, giving a mudd of wheat.

Imam al-Bukhaari said:

Chapter on the words, “Exempt days”… al-Hasan and Ibraaheem said concerning breastfeeding or pregnant women: If they fear for themselves or their children, they should break the fast then make it up. End quote.

This restriction of the ruling was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn ‘Umar, al-Hasan and al-Nakha’i among the salaf.

2 – The madhhabs of the four imams.

They were also agreed upon this restriction of the ruling.

(i) The Hanafi madhhab

Al-Jassaas said in Ahkaam al-Qur’aan, 1/244, after quoting the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Allaah has relieved the traveller of half of the prayer and of the duty to fast, and He has relieved pregnant and nursing mothers (of the duty to fast).”:

It is known that this concession – granted to pregnant and breastfeeding women – is limited to cases where they fear for themselves or for their children.

He also said (1/252):

Either pregnant and breastfeeding women will themselves be harmed by fasting or their children will be harmed. In either case, not fasting is better for them and fasting is not allowed in their case. If fasting will not harm them or their children, then they have to fast and it is not permissible for them to break the fast.

It says in al-Bahr al-Raa’iq (2/308):

If pregnant and breastfeeding women fear for themselves or their children, they may are allowed to break the fast in order to ward off any hardship.

i.e., they may break the fast so as to ward off harm… but this is restricted to cases of fear, i.e., when they think that is most likely to happen… because if they do not fear harm there is no concession granted to them.

(ii) The Maaliki madhhab

It says in Sharh Mukhtasar Khaleel (2/262):

If a pregnant woman fears that her child may die, or be severely harmed, then she must break her fast.

Now again, even the scholars are not this extreme! How ludicrous! The woman is only allowed to break her fast if the other option is the death of her child or severe harm to the child. It’s not okay if it may just cause a little harm to the child! That is beyond ridiculous and totally ignores the actual Hadith.

If she fears that sickness may happen, it is permissible for her to break her fast according to the correct view. And it was said that she must break her fast if she fears sickness. The same applies to the breastfeeding woman, if she fears that her child may die or be severely harmed, she must break her fast, and if she fears sickness, it is permissible for her to break her fast. This is subject to the condition that her child will not accept the breast of any other woman, otherwise she is obliged to fast,

(iii) The Shaafa’i madhhab

Imam al-Shaafa’i said in al-Umm:

If a pregnant woman fears for her child, she should break her fast. The same applies if a breastfeeding woman fears that her milk supply will be adversely affected. But if that is bearable then she should not break her fast. The fast may reduce the breast milk but it may be a bearable reduction, but if it is extreme, then she should break her fast.

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (6/274):

Our companions said: If pregnant and breastfeeding women fear that fasting may harm them, they should break the fast and make it up later on, and they do not have to offer any fidyah, as in the case of one who is sick. There is no difference of opinion on any of that. If they fear for themselves and their children, the same applies and there is no difference of opinion. This was stated by al-Daarimi, al-Sarkhasi and others. If they fear for their children but not for themselves, they should break the fast and make it up later on, and there is no difference of opinion on that…

(iv) The Hanbali madhhab

Ibn Muflih said in al-Furoo’ (3/35):

It is makrooh for pregnant and breastfeeding women to fast if there is the fear that they or their children may be harmed.

Ibn ‘Aqeel said that if a pregnant or breastfeeding woman fears for the pregnancy or the nursing infant, it is not permissible to fast, and she must offer the fidyah. If there is no such fear then it is not permissible for her not to fast.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (25/218):

If a pregnant woman fears for her foetus, she may break the fast…

(v) The Zaahiri madhhab

Ibn Hazm said in al-Muhalla (4/411):

The fast is addressed to pregnant and breastfeeding woman and old men. The Ramadaan fast is obligatory for all of them, but if a breastfeeding woman fears that she may have too little milk for her child and there is no one else to feed the child, or if he will not take the breast of any other woman, or if a pregnant woman fears for her foetus, or if an old man is unable to fast because of his age, then they may break the fast… end quote.

Well this is interesting. Does this suggest that it would be better for me to go ahead and give only formula for the month, in order for me to fast? The problem of course is that a month of doing this will pretty much mean that I will no longer be able to nurse my child. Is that better? For most people a wet nurse is not an option – giving formula is the closest comparison.

It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (28/55):
The fuqaha’ are agreed that pregnant and breastfeeding women may break the fast in Ramadaan, so long as they fear sickness or an increase in sickness for themselves or their children, or they fear harm or death. In the case of a pregnant woman, the foetus is regarded as part of her body, so the fear for him is like the fear of damage to any of her limbs or physical faculties.

Al-Shawkaani said in Nayl al-Awtaar (4/273), commenting on the hadeeth which says that pregnant and breastfeeding women are allowed not to fast:

This hadeeth indicates that it is permissible for pregnant and breastfeeding women not to fast. This was the view of the fuqaha’, if a breastfeeding woman fears for her nursing infant or if a pregnant woman fears for the unborn child. They said: They may definitely break the fast. End quote.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (10/226):

With regard to the pregnant woman, she must fast whilst pregnant, unless she fears that fasting may harm her or her unborn child, in which case she is granted a concession allowing her not to fast, and she should make up the fasts after she delivers and her nifaas has ended. End quote.

See also question no. 50005.

These texts from the scholars indicate that it is not permissible for pregnant and breastfeeding women to break the fast so long as fasting is not difficult for them.

And Allaah knows best.

[Lusi]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

Sahar, I think what you are doing is right. Islam is not at all a hard religion but many times people make it look like that.

[nadz123]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

i know people are trying not to be offensive, but i find it really annoying. something is clearly stated that its best not to fast, remember fasting can be made up in many ways, even if your ill, old, preg, anything, theres a compensation scheme in place. whats farz is namaz, are you just as adamant on praying? if yes, then good. however i have come across so many women, and even men, who insist they need to fast, their wives should fast, during preg, and say oh if we can do it, itl be ok...we dont know the effects its having on baby, baby wont tell you will he? I didnt drink enough water in my 2nd trim, and i didnt realise it was having an effect on babys hearbeat, was too high, however unless im being ctg monitered, i wouldnt have known.

so how can you women possibly know the effect your fast is having?? risking the feotus just because oh i feel fine is not good enough, islam isnt this harsh, no wonder non-muslims think we are a bunch of extremists weirdos, isnt this extreme? i have to correct every muslims womans stance in the hosp when she says to a non-mus oh im fasting....they think its compulsory.....i have to say oh its not comp, its her choice, im not fasting.....

its odd isnt it, jidher farz ka likha hai, woh hum kartey nahi, jo farz nahi hai, we are adamant on fulffilling it, at any cost.

[pinks]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

@Sahar02

What pinks linked, It is not permissible for pregnant and breastfeeding women to break the fast unless they fear for themselves or their children - Islam Question & Answer

I don’t understand how the writer clearly states that the Hadith applies to all pregnant women and yet the scholars have the authority to limit the application. If the Hadith applies, it just does. PERIOD.
It actually IS NOT like being sick. You can be “a little sick,” but you are never just “a little pregnant.” You are simply “pregnant.” More on the comparison with illness:

Now again, even the scholars are not this extreme! How ludicrous! The woman is only allowed to break her fast if the other option is the death of her child or severe harm to the child. It’s not okay if it may just cause a little harm to the child! That is beyond ridiculous and totally ignores the actual Hadith. Well this is interesting. Does this suggest that it would be better for me to go ahead and give only formula for the month, in order for me to fast? The problem of course is that a month of doing this will pretty much mean that I will no longer be able to nurse my child. Is that better? For most people a wet nurse is not an option – giving formula is the closest comparison.

Again, i cannot and will not question how that hadith is to be applied as i am no scholar. Perhaps those concerned could do in depth research with regards to that hadith if the scholarly opinion does not sit well with them. If the majority of scholars are saying the same thing about a given hadith, then i personally have no choice but to accpet it.

It is mentioned again and again through those articles that is there is real fear of harm to self/ baby then a fast can be broken/ not kept… it even mentions somewhere that such a woman is NOT obliged to fast. From what i have understood from the articles is that a healthy pregnant woman is not allowed to skip fast just coz she’s pregnant.

I hate talking about myself here but I am just starting my third trimester (Ah), and Alhumdulillah my pregancy is going great and today is my 4th fast. Yes I feel slightly hungry/ thirsty but not any more then any average adult. I am just making sure that i make an extra effort outside the hours of fast to maintain good nutrient/ fluid intake. I make it a point to not stress with too much work and rests when needed. Alhumdulillah i’m feeling fine.

However, had ramadan fallen during my first trimester, i would’ve been the first to not fast with all that weight loss, nausea, vomitting etc, it would’ve been unhealthly for me/ baby to have fasted then.

As for breast feeding, i think it clearly mentions that if a wet nurse or the like is not available, and a mother’s milk supply is adversely affected, then a woman is allowed to not fast. No where does it mention to give formula milk instead (knowing that a mother’s milk is way better then formula milk).

And its not like pregnant woman stop other activities (work, shopping, driving, etc) unless there is real fear of harming the baby… we dont bubble wrap ourselves just-in-case something might happen to the mum/ baby (God forbid it could, one could get into a car accident while driving which would inevitably harm the mum/ baby, but that doesn’t stop us from getting on the road does it?)

[pinks]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

i know people are trying not to be offensive, but i find it really annoying. something is clearly stated that its best not to fast, remember fasting can be made up in many ways, even if your ill, old, preg, anything, theres a compensation scheme in place. whats farz is namaz, are you just as adamant on praying? if yes, then good. however i have come across so many women, and even men, who insist they need to fast, their wives should fast, during preg, and say oh if we can do it, itl be ok...we dont know the effects its having on baby, baby wont tell you will he? I didnt drink enough water in my 2nd trim, and i didnt realise it was having an effect on babys hearbeat, was too high, however unless im being ctg monitered, i wouldnt have known.

so how can you women possibly know the effect your fast is having?? risking the feotus just because oh i feel fine is not good enough, islam isnt this harsh, no wonder non-muslims think we are a bunch of extremists weirdos, isnt this extreme? i have to correct every muslims womans stance in the hosp when she says to a non-mus oh im fasting....they think its compulsory.....i have to say oh its not comp, its her choice, im not fasting.....

its odd isnt it, jidher farz ka likha hai, woh hum kartey nahi, jo farz nahi hai, we are adamant on fulffilling it, at any cost.

Namaz isn't the only farz, so are other things like how a woman should dress. By your arguement, if a muslim woman isn't dressed in accordance to the quran/ sunnah then she shouldnt be as obsessed with paying attention to her fasts?

If you were careless about your fluid intake, then that is really your fault and it was not right for you to be negligent about it.

Most woman do go for regular check ups during their pregnancy, i think they'd know from that is something was wrong...

an article posted previously in this thread (from babycentre) mentions that there is no sound evidence to suggest that fasting does adverselfy affect the baby, why do we jump to assume otherwise?

And we shouldn't decide what to follow/ avoid based on what non-mulims think. I'm sure to many of them the concept of hijab is extreme, uss ko bhi islam se nikaal deiN kya just to please 'em?

sawal ye nahi hai ke farz ko poora kya ja raha hai ke nahi, sawal ye hai ke kya hum kissi farz ehkaam ko farz se kum na samhajne lage, God Forbid.

[Ma_Mooli]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

Pregnant women told not to fast during holy Ramadan

By Divya Talwar
BBC Asian Network

Pregnant women who fast during Ramadan could be putting the health of their unborn baby at risk, according to a new study.

Fasting during the month is one of the five pillars of Islam, although pregnant women are exempt if it poses a risk to their health.

However, some Muslim women still choose to fast, despite the health implications.

     Aanisa Butt, 32, fasted during both of her pregnancies. 

“I wouldn’t fast every day, I would do one day of fasting followed by a day of rest. Doing alternate days helped me keep my energy levels up,” she said.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time when Muslims across the world fast from dawn until sunset.

“When Ramadan falls in the summer, it can be really difficult to stay without food and water the whole day and if you’re pregnant it is even more hard,” said Aanisa.

“But I wasn’t worried about my health or my baby’s. I think Allah gives you strength and he protects your unborn child.”

Although Aanisa gave birth to two healthy sons, if women fast for long hours during their pregnancy it can result in problems for their unborn child.

**A study by scientists in the United States, based on census data from the US, Iraq and Uganda, found that pregnant women who fast are likely to have smaller babies who are more prone to learning disabilities in adulthood.

The researchers from Columbia University found that this trend was most marked if mothers-to-be fasted early on in their pregnancy and during the summer when longer days meant they went more hours without food.

Religious leaders say pregnant women shouldn’t attempt to fast as it puts the health of their unborn baby at risk. **

read on…Pregnant women told not to fast during holy Ramadan - BBC News

[S02]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

I hate talking about myself here but I am just starting my third trimester (Ah), and Alhumdulillah my pregancy is going great and today is my 4th fast. Yes I feel slightly hungry/ thirsty but not any more then any average adult. I am just making sure that i make an extra effort outside the hours of fast to maintain good nutrient/ fluid intake. I make it a point to not stress with too much work and rests when needed. Alhumdulillah i'm feeling fine.

That's good! Have a blessed and easy Ramadan.

[soleil]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

this is an old thread, but i have a question.

A pregnant women, if she is not fasting in ramazan, but she plans to make up her fasts later on, does she still has to pay fidya ( or feed one poor in the morning and at night?)

[Lusi]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

[Demilitarize]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

Please do not fast. You are in your first trimester, this is the stage of development for the fetus. The basic structure for ALL organs is being laid down, you cannot afford for something to go wrong. ALLAH has given you permission not to fast during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please avail that.

Well **I'm about 8 weeks along **and fasting for the first time while pregnant today. So far so good - As long as I don't throw up I think I should be good. I'm going to try and fast as much as I can.

It was hard to eat this morning cause I was really nauseous, my MIL suggested drinking boost in the morning along with whatever I can keep down.

Inshallah I hope to fast throughout but I'm still going to be cautious of how I'm feeling, If I start to feel weak or dizzy I won't hesitate to take a day off.

Good Luck Dusk, how far along are you ?

[mirage]

Re: Pregnancy in Ramadan

I dont think Allah would have given us a relaxation had it not been in favour of both the mother and the baby, already. He, who knows it best of all, whats just right or wrong for us, His creatures. I dont know why people just think of and try to prove themselves to be super human.