The Qur’anic concessions for illness and travel, and the guidance on the elderly, pregnancy, nursing and menstruation, with scholarly differences.
AI-generated English narration.
Fasting is an obligation, but Islam does not place hardship on people. The Qur’an (2:184–85) gives clear concessions and says that Allah intends ease and not hardship.
Illness and travel
Allah says that whoever is ill or on a journey may fast an equal number of other days (2:184). Aisha reported that Hamzah ibn Amr al-Aslami asked the Prophet ﷺ whether he should fast while travelling, and he replied that he may fast if he wishes and may not fast if he wishes (Sahih al-Bukhari 1943).
Menstruation and postnatal bleeding
A woman in these states does not fast. Aisha said that women in her time were ordered to make up the fasts but not the prayers (Sahih Muslim 335).
The elderly and the chronically ill
The same verse mentions those who are able only with hardship: they give a ransom of feeding a poor person for each day (2:184). Most scholars apply this to an elderly person or one with a lasting illness who cannot be expected to recover.
Pregnancy and nursing
If fasting would harm a pregnant or nursing mother, or her child, she may break the fast. Scholars differ on what she owes afterwards, as explained below. Seek medical advice as well as religious guidance.
Key points
- The Qur’an allows someone who is ill or travelling to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later.
- The Prophet ﷺ told a companion he could fast or not fast while travelling, as he wished.
- A woman who is menstruating or in postnatal bleeding does not fast, and makes up the days afterwards.
- The elderly, and those with a lasting illness, are guided by the verse about feeding a poor person; pregnancy and nursing are discussed differently by the schools.
Qur’an
“[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2) — 2:184
Hadith
Narrated `Aisha:(the wife of the Prophet) Hamza bin `Amr Al-Aslami asked the Prophet, "Should I fast while traveling?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish."
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1943 .
Mu'adha said:I asked 'A'isha: What is the reason that a menstruating woman completes the fasts (that she abandons during her monthly course). but she does not complete the prayers? She (Hadrat 'A'isha) said: Are you a Haruriya? I said: I am not a Haruriya, but I simply want to inquire. She said: We passed through this (period of menstruation), and we were ordered to complete the fasts, but were not ordered to complete the prayers.
Sahih Muslim, no. 335 .
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
Scholarly notes
Pregnancy and nursing: in outline, the Hanafi school requires only making up the days; the Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools require making up the days, plus feeding a poor person for each day if she feared for the child (rather than only for herself); the Maliki school requires making up for a pregnant woman, and making up plus feeding for a nursing mother. Travel: many scholars consider fasting better if it causes no hardship, while others prefer taking the concession; all agree that hardship makes the concession preferable. The elderly: most schools require fidya; in the Maliki school it is recommended rather than required. Follow your school or a trusted teacher.
FAQ
Can I break my fast during a short car journey?
What counts as a journey for this concession is discussed by scholars in the same way as for shortening the prayer. Ask your local teacher about your school’s view.
What if I have a condition and am unsure whether I can fast?
Talk to a doctor about the risks and to a knowledgeable teacher about what is required. Protecting your health is part of the guidance.
Report a correction. HikmahBridge is an educational resource, not a replacement for a qualified scholar or teacher.
Lesson 25 of 31 in New Muslim: First Steps