Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
If I go without food or drink for a few (e.g. 4) hours, I become both physically and mentally very very weak. To the extent that I cannot function physically (i.e. becoming dehydrated, and extremely lethargic and tired), neither am I able think or concentrate properly. This continues until I consume some food or drink. As a result, I have to consume some food and drink every few hours so that I can keep going. While I am looking forward to Ramadan, I am also fearing it due to these reasons. What can I do?
Walaikum assalam,
1. Take the means not to get into this situation. Eat well, drink enough fluids. Make sure you have the pre-dawn meal (sahur). If necessary, seek expert advice.
2. You have to start fasting daily. You can only break your fast when it becomes apparent that you are unable to go on. You would have to “pace” yourself and not undertake unnecessary physical activities that weaken you from fasting.
3. Turn to Allah. Nothing is difficult if you seek it through Allah, and nothing easy if you seek it through yourself, as Ibn Ata’illah said in his Hikam.
Walaikum assalam,
Faraz Rabbani.