Pregnant woman need not observe fast if she is unwell

Observance of fasting by a pregnant woman depends on her health as well as the health of the foetus, according to a fatwa issued by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). The list of fatwas has been released to help Muslims clarify any concerns about fasting. A pregnant woman may stop fasting if she finds it hard on her or risky for either her or the foetus. Such a decision must be based on the recommendation of a highly qualified doctor or her previous experience. Imam Ahmad Al Nafrawi, the scholar, has listed several situations in his book, Al Fawakeh Al Dawani, that allows one not to fast. If a woman risks her life or the life of her foetus, she must not fast even during Ramadan to save her life or to protect herself from severe health problems. Article continues below Risk factor According to a majority of scholars, she is also not required to feed the needy. She must only make up for the missed fasting days, as she's considered ill. Few scholars believe that she should feed the needy. A pregnant woman also need not fast if a doctor finds that her fasting may result in any risk. If the fasting is likely to harm only the foetus and not the expectant mother then she must make up for the days she missed fasting and also feed a needy person for each day she missed. If by fasting only the pregnant mother is harmed, then it is sufficient for her to make up the days she missed fasting. This is based on Allah's saying: "And for those who can fast [but] with difficulty, they [may break their fast] and instead feed a needy person." [Surah Al Baqarah: 184].