Ramadan: I am pregnant, can I fast? Islamic Scholar Explains

• Ramadan fasting is not meant for pregnant women as they are exempted because of health complications associated with their status
• However, AbdulRafiu Busari, an Islamic scholar, who spoke with Legit.ng, in an exclusive interview, explained that Allah did not give them the fasting
• Busari explained that missing fasting when you are alive is a debt that must be repaid before death comes

Ramadan fasting is very important for every Muslim across the world, and they have commenced the fasting for the year 2025. As much as Ramadan is important, some categories of people have be exempted from the fasting and one of them are pregnant women.

According to AbdulRafiu Busari, an Islamic scholar, who spoke with Legit.ng, in an exclusive interview, explained that the reason for pregnant women exemption from Ramadan fasting was due to health concerns.

The cleric explained that some pregnant women may have the strength but they still have to refrain from taking the fast because Allah did not want any Muslim to take action that would complicate his or her health or take their lives.

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Why pregnant women should repay Ramadan fast

However, Busari noted that the women are expected to repay the fasting after giving birth, but that is not a usual practice in the part of the world. He said this is because such pregnant women will start breastfeeding after giving birth, and such women would get pregnant soon after that.

He said:

"There are two categories of pregnant women, fasting is a debt that must be paid. When a woman is pregnant and Ramadan has started, some women have the strength to be doing everything during pregnancy, we have women who can fast during pregnancy, but it is very rare. Even if such a woman wanted to fast, she would not be allowed to fast because of her health and that of the baby.

"But in this part of the world, I am yet to see a pregnant woman who repays her fasting after giving birth. After giving birth, the woman would start breastfeeding, like two months breastfeeding, such a woman would get pregnant again. But according to Shari'ah, a pregnant woman is expected to repay her fasting after giving birth."

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How the world celebrates Ramadan

Ramadan is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the world, marking the special moment of Iftar (the opening of one's fast) gatherings, to household decorations and traditional foods to celebrate its arrival.

According to tradition, fasting begins at dawn, before which a modest meal known as 'suhoor' will be taken and ends at sunset, referred to as 'Iftar'. Between the two meals, Muslims taking part in the fasting period will take in nothing, not even water.

Yoruba Imams and Alfas announce Ramadan commencement date

Legit.ng earlier reported that the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta has mentioned when the Ramadan fasting will commence in 2025.

According to a statement from the office of the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, tarawih prayer will be observed on Friday, February 28, while Ramadan fasting will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

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The statement maintained that the announcement has been its practice for decades, and it was done after a series of meetings with the League of Imams and Alfas' leadership and professionals.

Source: Legit.ng