Q: A Muslim person suffered from severe hemorrhoids, which bled due to sharp swellings. Bleeding happened during the blessed month of Ramadan. A doctor prescribed the medicine necessary to, by Allah's Will, stop the bleeding and cure the disease. The doctor permitted him not to observe Sawm (Fast) in order to take the medicine during the period of bleeding until it would stop. However, bleeding did not stop even during the time the medicine was taken. Please be informed that the person concerned could not stand or walk except with the help of others due to the severe swellings and bleeding. May a patient with such a condition break his Sawm in order to take medicine? Can he perform the Five Daily Obligatory Salahs (Prayers) although bleeding is continuous and thus both his underwear and outer clothes are soiled with blood?

A: If the reality is as you mentioned and you are unable to observe Sawm or observing Sawm increases the severity of your disease or retard the recovery, it is permissible for you not to observe Sawm; but you have to make up for the missed days of Sawm. (Part No. 10; Page No. 193) In this regard, Allah (Exalted be He) says: ...but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. You also have to perform Salah (Prayer) in accordance with your ability, whether while standing, sitting or lying on either side. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Perform Salah while standing; and if you cannot, while sitting; and if you cannot, while lying on your side. However, you should perform Wudu' (ablution) for every Salah when its due time begins. The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered Hamnah bint Jahsh who had Istihadah (abnormal vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual or postpartum period) to tampon the vulva with cotton and to perform Wudu' for every Salah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.