Can I Fast if I Have Medical Conditions Like Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism two years ago, Alhamdulillah, I am much better where I only use my Thyroid medication every second day, but I take my heart medication twice a day, in the morning and evening. Nothing needs to be taken during the day. Can I fast during Ramadan?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to that which is pleasing to Him. Amin.
Some illnesses permit not fasting. The illness that permits not fasting is that which fasting would worsen, delay recovery from, or cause one considerable harm.
The same dispensation applies to someone who needs to take medicine during the day that breaks the fast and that he cannot delay taking it until night.
To determine whether your health can handle fasting, consult a qualified, reliable, trustworthy Muslim physician. If the physician medically clears you based on the criterion set by Sacred Law (as mentioned above), then you can and should fast, and Allah knows best.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
