Question:
Everyone in our house undergoes fasting. Due to my health condition, I am unable to fast. Instead, I provide food to a poor person for each missed fast. Will this count as a substitute for fasting in Islam? Please explain.
Answer:
This matter has already been explained in detail previously in video and written formats. But since it is asked again, it is being explained here.
Among many Muslims, there is a common belief that if someone is unable to fast due to illness, they can compensate by feeding one poor person for each missed fast. Many elderly people follow this belief and regularly feed poor people as compensation. Wealthy people also follow this practice by feeding thirty poor people if they miss the entire month of fasting. There are also reports that some groups collect money claiming they will distribute food on behalf of elderly people who cannot fast.
But is this practice actually in Islam? In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 2:184 initially mentioned that those who had the ability to fast had an option: they could either fast or feed a poor person as compensation. This verse was revealed when fasting was first made obligatory, and at that time, fasting was optional. A person could either fast or feed a poor person.
Later, verse 2:185 was revealed and replaced that ruling. It made fasting mandatory for those who witness the month of Ramadan. The earlier option was removed.Hadith in Bukhari (No. 4507) explains that during the earlier period, people who were capable of fasting sometimes chose to feed poor people instead. But after the later verse was revealed, fasting became compulsory, and the option of feeding instead of fasting was removed.
Therefore, the Qur’an does not state that people who are unable to fast must give compensation. The compensation option existed earlier only for those who were capable of fasting. If someone is incapable of fasting due to illness or extreme old age, fasting itself is not obligatory for them. If it is not obligatory, then compensation is also not obligatory.
For example, a person with severe diabetes who must eat frequently for health reasons cannot fast. Such a person simply does not fast. There is no compensation required, and Allahﷻ will not question them for something beyond their ability.Some narrations mention Ibn Abbas expressing an opinion that elderly or sick people could give compensation. However, this was his personal interpretation and not directly supported by the Qur’anic verse. The Qur’an clearly states the ruling was changed, and fasting became mandatory only for those capable of fasting.
Therefore, feeding poor people as compensation for fasting is not a valid substitute. If you are able, you must fast. If you are medically or physically unable, fasting is not required, and no compensation is required. Only the individual or a qualified doctor can determine whether a person is capable of fasting.
If your conscience and medical condition confirm that you cannot fast, then you are not required to fast or give compensation. Allahﷻ will not question you for something beyond your ability. If you think about giving food instead of fasting, it actually means you believe you have the ability, and therefore the ruling of exemption would not apply.