Q: A diabetic, against the advice of a medical practitioner, fasts during the month of Ramadhan. Most days he manages quite well and is able to complete the fast. But now and then, he experiences hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar level) and then there is no alternative but to eat something immediately as otherwise it can lead to unconsciousness or coma within 2 minutes.
In the circumstances, what then is the penalty (if any) for each fast so broken and is it imperative to make up the missed fasts after Ramadhan or is one excused? And is Kaffara also payable and, if so, how much for each broken fast?
A: He must just keep one qadha.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)