Dear Shaykh,

As-salaam ul alaikum,

I have been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure and have been put on tablets and have also been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and have also been prescribed tablets.

Both my blood pressure and diabetes are under control as a result of medicines and diet and exercise.

My question is: Would I be liable to punishment from ALLAH if I chose not to fast due to worries about ill effects on my health??

Jazakallah Khair,

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful

Assalamualaykum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuhu

Regarding your query, we suggest you to consult an expert Muslim Doctor. If the doctor informs you that fasting would worsen your sickness, then you will be excused from fasting and will not be taken in account. However inquire from the doctor if you may take your medication at Sehri time and after Iftaar, perhaps he might have a better proposition.

 If you get better in future, then you have to make Qadha of your missed fasts. Otherwise, you have to give Fidyah for each fast.

The Fidyah for one fast is 1.6 kg of wheat or 3.2 kg of barley or the equivalent of the above in cash or kind.

 (Behashti Zewar, 3^rd part, Pg.17, Maktabah Thanwi)

Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Walaykumus Salaam

Mohammad Ashhad Bin Saeed (Ghufiralahuma)