What Should a Recent Convert to Islam Do If One Is Unable to Fast?

Answered by Shaykh Farid Dingle

Question

I am a recent convert, and I find fasting extremely difficult. It has caused me to get sick emotionally and physically, and I don’t think I can bear it. What should I do?

Answer

Allah Most High says, “Allah does not charge a soul more than it can bear.” [Quran, 2:286] If fasting will harm you physically, emotionally, and maybe even mentally, then you should not fast.

That said, to get your feet wet, try a few days of non-ritual water fasts from dawn to dusk. See how you react to it. If you feel that you can do an actual ritual fast, try one day; just break the fast if it gets too much.

If you conclude that you can never fast, you will have to give charity in place of each Ramadan that you miss. Allah Most High says, “And upon those who cannot do it, there is an expiration of feeding food.”

Check these links for further readings:
Can You Advise Me on My First Ramadan With My Non-Muslim Family?
How Can I Benefit From Ramadan When I Can’t Fast Due to Being Ill?
Fasting: A Comprehensive SeekersGuidance Reader

I pray this helps.

[Shaykh] Farid Dingle
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic Language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the Language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language