A pregnant woman's concession not to fast during Ramadan

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Q: Is it permissible for a pregnant woman to forgo Sawm (Fast) during the daytime hours of Ramadan? Is she supposed to refrain from observing Sawm during a certain month of her pregnancy or throughout the entire pregnancy? If she has a Rukhsah (concession) to forgo Sawm, is she required to make up for these missed days of Sawm or should she feed the needy instead? What is the amount of food she should give if she is supposed to feed the needy? I live in a hot country; does Sawm have an effect on a pregnant woman in such hot countries? We hope that you will answer our question.

A: If a pregnant woman fears for her own safety or for that of the fetus while fasting during Ramadan, then she is allowed to forgo Sawm. She is only required to make up for the days of Sawm that she missed, whether she lives in a hot country or not. This is not restricted to certain months of her pregnancy. Rather it is her condition that should be taken into consideration and the hardship that she might encounter, regardless of how long she has been pregnant. The case of the pregnant woman is similar in this respect to the case of a person who is ill and is unable to observe Sawm. Allah says: ...and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. (Part No. 10; Page No. 223) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.