Question:
As Salaamu Alaykum. I would like to know, if a woman is pregnant during Ramadan does she have to fast and if she doesn’t fast does she have to make up her missed days or is there another option for her? What about a woman who is breastfeeding a child? Does it matter the age of the baby? What are the rulings?
Country: United States
Answer:
Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuHu,
Regarding a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, it is permissible for either to break the fast fearing harm for herself or the child. If such a woman breaks her fast fearing for herself, then she must make up the fast and she does not need to pay fidyah; likewise, if she fears harm for both herself and the child. If she breaks it fearing for the child, then she must both make it up and as well pay fidyah. (al-Minhaj al-Qawim v. 2, p. 196-97; Mughni al-Muhtaj v. 2, p. 174)
And Allah knows best.
Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.