Ruling on Fasting for one who is Diabetic, and when is it permissible for him not to fast ?
Question: I have diabetes typeII wich is NIDM non insuline depend diabetes, I dont use any medicine, I only controll diet and I do litle phisical exercise to keep in right level of my sugar(blood). I have this decease one year and two monhts. Last Ramadan I fasted some days but I could not continue do to my low level of sugar(blood). This year I feel good (Alhamdu Lillah)I ONLY feel pain in my brain during fasting!? So my question is, is it my DUTY to fast dispite my desease? Can test my blood during fasting times; "causing blood to come from my fingers"?
It is prescribed for sick people not to fast in Ramadaan, if fasting will cause harm or make the sickness worse, or if they need treatment during the day in the form of medicine or pills that must be swallowed, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”[al-Baqarah 2:185]
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah loves people to avail themselves of His concessions (rukhsah) just as He hates them to commit sin.”
According to another version, “As He loves His commands to be obeyed.”
With regard to taking blood from veins for testing etc., the correct view is that this does not break the fast, but if it is done often, it is better to leave it until night-time. If it is done during the day then to be on the safe side that day should be made up, because this is akin to cupping.
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah loves people to avail themselves of His concessions (rukhsah) just as He hates them to commit sin.”
According to another version, “As He loves His commands to be obeyed.”
With regard to taking blood from veins for testing etc., the correct view is that this does not break the fast, but if it is done often, it is better to leave it until night-time. If it is done during the day then to be on the safe side that day should be made up, because this is akin to cupping.
Ref: (Fatwa of Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), from Fataawa Islamiyyah, vol. 2, p. 139)
Sickness is of various kinds
1: That which does not affect the fast, such as a light cold or mild headache or toothache, and the like. In this case it is not permissible to break the fast, even though some of the scholars permitted that because of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):
Sickness is of various kinds
1: That which does not affect the fast, such as a light cold or mild headache or toothache, and the like. In this case it is not permissible to break the fast, even though some of the scholars permitted that because of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):
“and whoever is ill…” [al-Baqarah 2:185]
But we say that this ruling is based on a reason, which is that not fasting is easier. If that is the case, then we would say that not fasting is better, but if fasting does not have an effect on him then it is not permissible to break the fast, and he has to fast.
2 : If fasting is difficult for the sick person, but it does not harm him, then it is makrooh for him to fast and it is Sunnah for him to break his fast.
3 : If fasting is difficult for him and will cause him harm, such as a man who has kidney disease or diabetes and similar cases where fasting will cause harm. In this case fasting is HARAAM.
Hence we may see that some mujtahids and sick people make a mistake when fasting is difficult for them and may harm them, but they refuse to break their fast. We say that they are mistaken because they refuse to accept the kindness of Allaah and the concession that He has given to them, and they are harming themselves, although Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
But we say that this ruling is based on a reason, which is that not fasting is easier. If that is the case, then we would say that not fasting is better, but if fasting does not have an effect on him then it is not permissible to break the fast, and he has to fast.
2 : If fasting is difficult for the sick person, but it does not harm him, then it is makrooh for him to fast and it is Sunnah for him to break his fast.
3 : If fasting is difficult for him and will cause him harm, such as a man who has kidney disease or diabetes and similar cases where fasting will cause harm. In this case fasting is HARAAM.
Hence we may see that some mujtahids and sick people make a mistake when fasting is difficult for them and may harm them, but they refuse to break their fast. We say that they are mistaken because they refuse to accept the kindness of Allaah and the concession that He has given to them, and they are harming themselves, although Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And do not kill yourselves”[al-Nisa 4:29]
Ref: al-Sharh al-Mumti by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, vol. 6, 352-254. http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/1319/
He has diabetes and does not fast
Question: I have diabetes and I have to inject myself with insulin twice a day. Hence I do not fast and I pay the fidyah in cash for the number of days I do not fast. It is permissible to pay the fidyah in this way, i.e., in cash, especially since I break my fast in the restaurant and I am not married? Can this fidyah be distributed to three or more poor people, because I cannot find anyone who needs to be fed at the time of iftaar?.
If you are able to fast, then you must fast, and in this case it is not permissible for you to break your fast and feed others.
Insulin injections do not break the fast; you can fast and take the insulin injections. And you have to make up the fasts that you have missed.
But if fasting will harm you, or it will cause you great difficulty, or you need to take medicine during the day, then it is permissible for you not to fast in that case. If you will never be able to make up the fasts in the future, then you have to feed one poor person for each day.
It is not permissible for you to pay the fidyah in cash, rather you have to give food, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day)”[al-Baqarah 2:184]
So you have to look for poor people so that you can do what is required of you, or give money to someone who can buy food and make sure it reaches the poor on your behalf.
Ref: http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/38334/diabetes
Insulin injections taken by a diabetic do not invalidate the fast
There is a man who has diabetes, and he has subcutaneous injections. If he does not take this injection his blood sugar levels will rise. Is it permissible for him to take these injections during the month of Ramadaan?.
There is nothing wrong with you taking these injections during the day for the purpose of medical treatment, and you do not have to make up those fasts. If you can take them at night without that causing you any hardship, that is better.
Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas, 10/252.