No, a breastfeeding woman is exempt from fasting during Ramadan if it negatively impacts her health or her baby's health.
Islamic Ruling on Fasting and Breastfeeding
Islamic law recognizes that pregnant and breastfeeding women have a religious dispensation, meaning they are excused from fasting during Ramadan if it harms them or their child. This is based on the principle of preserving the health of the mother and child. Several sources confirm this exemption: IslamQA explicitly states it's not permissible for a breastfeeding woman to fast unless there's a valid excuse. Similarly, Hamad Medical Corporation notes that Islam exempts breastfeeding mothers (along with small children and the ill) from fasting.
Practical Considerations
- Health is paramount: The decision to fast should always prioritize the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
- Individual circumstances: A woman's ability to fast while breastfeeding varies depending on factors like her health, her baby's age and feeding patterns, and the climate.
- Missed fasts: Missed fasts due to breastfeeding can usually be made up later. Breastfeeding Support clarifies this point.
Many resources, such as Lactation Matters, discuss the potential challenges of breastfeeding while fasting and suggest strategies for managing these challenges. It is important to note that individual experiences may vary.
The exemption from fasting is not a matter of personal choice but a religious allowance for the health of the mother and child. If a breastfeeding mother feels she can fast without compromising her health or the baby’s, she may choose to do so; however, she is religiously permitted to break her fast if needed.
