If you are genuinely sick, you are exempt from fasting in Ramadan. However, if you still feel that you must fast, please obtain medical advice from a qualified health professional.
Advice
for the Ill / Sick
If you are genuinely sick, you are
exempt from fasting in Ramadan. However, if you still feel that you
must fast, please obtain medical advice from a qualified health
professional.
If your illness
is temporary and you need to take, for example, antibiotics, do tell
your doctor that you are fasting and inshaAllah he
will
prescribe medication that need only be taken once or twice a day -
rather than 3 to 4 times a day.
Some people who suffer from mild forms of angina take GTN tablets - their doctor may be able to prescribe patches for them instead. By using a patch, the medicine enters the body through the skin and not the mouth so the fast would not be broken. Again, please consult your doctor as patches are not suitable for all.
People taking medication for high blood pressure should also see their doctor if they are taking medicines called diuretics (which could causedehydration if you are fasting) or if they are taking other tablets for blood pressure more than once or twice a day. The doctor may be able to prescribe tablets that can be taken just once or twice a day.
Many muslims, especially of Asian descent, have diabetes. The International Journal of Ramadan Fasting Research has suggested that diabetic patients who are controlled by their diet should fast and hopefully their diabetes may improve with weight reduction. InshaAllah. Diabetic patients who take tablets to control their diabetes should be very careful if they decide to fast and should consult their doctor to make sure that their dose of is suitable for them. If they develop low blood sugar symptoms in the daytime, they should end their fast immediately. Diabetic people who take insulin should also consult their doctor so that their dose of insulin can be adjusted if necessary. In all cases, blood sugar levels should be checked throughout the day.
In summary: Islam offers an exemption to the sick from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. If however you are sick and you feel that you still want to fast, remember that your pharmacist or local doctor is available if you need any advice.