This post was written by guest writer, Shahidah Al-Amin.
Shahidah Al-Amin is a wife & homeschooling mother of five, based in the Bay Area of California. With over eight years of experience in home education, she is passionate about helping mothers create intentional, values-driven learning plans for themselves and their children. Through her writing, and community-building efforts, she empowers families to cultivate a love for learning while embracing the freedom and flexibility of home education. She publishes her writing on her Substack *Motherhood Is My Muse*, where she shares reflections on motherhood, education, and faith-centered growth.
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Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world. It is a time when believers are seeking closeness to God through acts of worship, including abstaining from food and drink from sunup to sunset. However, for newly pregnant or nursing mothers, the question often arises: “Is it safe to fast while pregnant?” or “Am I required to fast, and will it affect mine or my baby’s well-being?” As a mom of 5, currently nursing my youngest I resonate with this question all too well. In this article we will explore Islamic guidance in regard to fasting while pregnant as well as things to consider having a healthy Ramadan.
The first thing we want to understand is that Islam is a way of life built upon mercy and compassion, providing clear guidance from the Quran for pregnant and nursing mothers regarding fasting in Ramadan.
“God intends ease for you, not hardship.” Quran (2:185) While fasting is an obligation for Muslims, there are exemptions for those who may experience harm or hardship while fasting. Still, many pregnant or nursing women desire to fast, seeking the blessings of Ramadan. In my experience consulting with my local scholars, I learned that if fasting poses a risk to the mother’s or baby’s health, she is permitted to delay her fast and make it up at a later time. It is also encouraged to feed the poor or the needy in place of making up her fasts later.
Fasting during pregnancy and nursing affects each woman differently, depending on her health and stage of pregnancy or nursing journey. During pregnancy, we know our bodies require additional nutrients to support the baby’s growth, and sometimes fasting can lead to dehydration, low blood sugar, dizziness, and fatigue. As for nursing mothers, hydration and nutrition play a huge role in maintaining a healthy sufficient milk supply. While some women find that fasting does not significantly affect their milk production, others do notice a drop in supply.
Every woman’s experience is unique, and it is crucial to be in tune with your body to monitor signs of dehydration or extreme exhaustion. If you find that fasting is causing harm to you or your baby, Islamic teachings emphasize that you are permitted and even encouraged to break your fast for the sake of health and well-being. This is a beautiful reflection of mercy within our faith.
How should you make the decision to fast or not? No one person can tell you what’s best for you. Islam provides the flexibility for women to choose what is best for their health and their baby’s well-being. The first step is to seek guidance through dua (prayer), asking God for wisdom in making the right choice. Then you want to consult with your doctor to assess whether fasting may pose any risks, especially women with existing health concerns such as anemia, gestational diabetes, or a history of complications. You may attempt to fast for a short period and observe how your body responds. Islam does not require self-inflicted hardship, and breaking the fast due to genuine difficulty is not a sign of weak faith but rather an act of accepting the God given mercy to expecting and nursing mothers.
If you choose to fast, let’s cover a few practical tips for a healthy Ramadan. Proper preparation is essential to maintain energy and well-being. Staying hydrated is the major key, not only should you drink plenty of water during the sunset hours, it’s best to sip throughout the night as well to prevent dehydration, which is especially crucial for nursing mothers. A well-balanced meal before you begin your fast should include your daily vitamins, along with slow-digesting foods, like oatmeal with nuts and honey as well as protein packed smoothies to keep you feeling fuller for longer. This will help you sustain energy throughout the day. Breaking the fast at sunset with dates and water, followed by a nutrient dense meal, helps to replenish lost nutrients.
Fasting when pregnant or nursing during Ramadan is an honorable act, but it must not be taken lightly. Having an intentional meal plan for beginning and breaking your fast is important. Fasting during pregnancy or nursing is a deeply personal decision. While some women may feel physically able to fast, others may experience challenges that make fasting difficult or unsafe.
Some women feel guilt or worry that not fasting means they are missing out on the rewards of Ramadan. However, Islam teaches that a mother caring for her child is an act of worship in itself. Your intention to fast but prioritizing health is still a means of seeking closeness to God. Other ways to stay connected to the spirit of Ramadan is simply by engaging in various forms of worship, such as dhikr (remembrance of God), reciting Quran, and making daily prayers, these are all great ways to help maintain spiritual connection even if fasting becomes difficult. The goal of Ramadan is to seek closeness to God in all forms of worship, not just fasting from food.
Regardless of what you choose, your choice is valid as long as it is made with sincerity, and trust in God. Every mother can fully embrace the blessings of this sacred month in ways that honor both her faith and her well-being. Trust in God’s mercy, and may He accept all of our efforts.
