Are you excited about the arrival of the holy month? But does your medical treatment come in your way of fasting? Managing treatment during Ramadan can be a challenge. But it cannot stop you from fasting. Read more to understand how to balance Ramadan fasting and medication.
Fasting and Temporary Illness
Muslims wait all year for the arrival of this beloved month. However, due to unfit medical conditions such as viral infection, post-operation condition, fever, post-delivery in the case of women, or any other temporary condition, some people may not fast. Allah does not put a burden more than one can bear. Allah wants ease for us. Therefore, one can keep a count of the missed fasts and cover them up later when they are healthy.
Fasting in a medically unfit condition may deteriorate health and Allah surely does not want that. Even if you do not fast during Ramadan due to temporary conditions, you can still spend the month worshipping Allah. You can help people around you and earn Allah’s pleasure. Besides the obligatory prayers, Ramadan is a wonderful opportunity to offer voluntary prayers and earn rewards.
Managing Chronic Illness Treatment During Ramadan
Fasting can be challenging for those who suffer from chronic diseases. These include hypertensive, diabetic, and cardiovascular patients. People on regular medicines and a restricted diet must consult their doctor before fasting. They should only fast if their doctor allows it. Moreover, their consultant may give a diet chart or medication timetable which they should strictly follow.
Different Types of Medications and Their Impact on Fast
The foremost rule of fasting is to abstain from food and drink from Fajr to Maghreb prayer. Therefore anything that passes through the mouth, nose, or any other source to the stomach and provides energy nullifies the fast. Here are different types of medications, their impact on the fast, and how you can find a solution to consume them without breaking the fast.
● Oral Medicines
Oral medicines include tablets, syrups, tonics, pills, lozenges, and others. Taking oral medication while fasting nullifies the fast. If you have to take these medicines multiple times, consult your doctor if you can take them at Suhoor and Iftar. Another alternative could be using a stronger but single dose of oral medicine during the non-fasting hours.
If the patient’s condition deteriorates during the fast and taking the medicine becomes inevitable, they may take the medicine since Allah is All-Forgiving and Most Merciful. The person may keep the missed fast later, if his health permits or he may compensate for it by paying fidya.
● Injections
Injections are of different types, including intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous. Injections like vaccination, insulin, and antibiotics do not provide nutrition. Therefore, they are allowed during the fast. However, IV drips for hydration or nourishment provide energy which nullifies the fast. If the person has to get the IV drip, he may schedule it before suhoor or after iftar.
● Respiratory Treatment
People suffering from ailments such as asthma or allergies need respiratory treatment through methods like nebulizers and inhalers. There is debate among Islamic scholars whether this form of medication breaks the fast or not. Some argue that the treatment goes into the lungs, rather than the stomach so it does not violate the fast, while others say that some particles may go into the stomach via the throat. Nevertheless, it is always better to be cautious and avoid taking medication while fasting. However, in emergencies, the person may use the treatment during the fast.
● Eye, Nose, and Ear Drops
When it comes to drops, there is an argument among different religious scholars about whether or not they break the fast. However, eye drops are the safest as they have no direct relation with the stomach. So you can use eye drops while fasting.
Similarly, ear drops also do not break the fast. However, in case of perforation of the ear drop, there is a chance that the liquid might go into the throat. This may violate the fast. Nasal drops go into the throat so it is not advisable to use them during the fasting hours. It is better to schedule these medications before suhoor or after iftar.
● Ointments
Ointments, creams, and medical patches that are used on the skin are the safest of medications during Ramadan. They do not go into the stomach so they do not violate fast. So you can continue taking such medication while fasting.
Allah’s Mercy For the Believers
Now that you have a clear idea about Ramadan fasting and medication, you can plan your treatment before the holy month arrives and take the pleasure of fasting. However, it is important to note that the purpose of fasting is to connect with Allah. Fasting is to attain Allah’s pleasure. It is not meant to make someone miserable or deteriorate in health. Therefore, one must not fast if medical conditions do not permit. A person may compensate for the missed fasts by fasting later when healthy or paying fidya.
To Conclude
Medication during Ramadan is an important concern that people should duly address. By planning and effectively managing your treatment through medications and diet during Ramadan, you can enjoy the blissful month while taking care of your health as well.
