Al-Qalam 
By Iman Zanele Omar
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches many Muslims prepare themselves mentally and physically for fasting from sunup to sundown. This endeavour, despite its annual repetitiveness, still proves a challenging task even in good health. So, what happens to those who suffer from chronic illness or disability?
The Quran is clear that anyone with severe health complications or disabilities that will cause further strain to their well-being by fasting is exempt from doing so. In Surah al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, verse 184, Allah proclaims: “…And upon those who are able to fast, but with hardship – a ransom is declared as a substitute by feeding a poor person each day. And whoever volunteers, good it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.”
Roomaan Leach, who suffers from insulin resistance and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), is unable to fast and says that instead of feeling shame, it is important to be patient with yourself. “I think the advice I’d have for others suffering from these issues and unable to fast is to give yourself grace. If our bodies are telling us something we have to listen because fasting for our own ego is not the spirit of Ramadan.”
Leach explains that despite not being able to fast, there are other ways to honour this holy month, “This year I hope to organize, volunteer and use the time and energy that I’ll have to do good in the world.” She says that although it is tough and can sometimes feel isolating to not participate in fasting, approaching this month with a mindset of gratefulness is important. She says, “At the end of the day I know my struggles come from Allah and so even this is an act of ibadah.”
Despite the Quranic exemption, there are many people who suffer from chronic illness and disabilities who feel they are in a good enough condition to be able to manage their illness and take on the responsibility of fasting without it being a further strain on their health and wellbeing. These decisions are taken with careful consideration and advice from religious and medical professionals.
Faizel Jacobs, who has lived with a permanent Colostomy for 8 years and has fasted for 7 of those years, explains that each person, despite the type of illness they have, should approach the decision of fasting with careful consideration to their own body’s needs. He states, “There are so many factors to consider when it comes to chronic illness or disability like the age of a person, physical condition as well as any additional underlying issues.”
Jacobs states that when deciding to fast during Ramadan with a chronic illness, there is no “one-size-fits-all” mandate, and you must be aware of your body’s limits by making sure to take precautionary measures that suit your particular illness. He says, “If I use people who live with Colostomy as an example, I have a colostomy, which means I have minimal dietary restrictions compared to those who have an ileostomy and require a different set of nutrients and more hydration.”
Jacobs affirms that whether fasting or not, it is important to always have a constant connection with Allah. “Today, beyond the salaah, I talk to Allah more often now than I did before I was sick, and I see more often now than I did back then that I am not cursed. In fact, my Stoma has been the greatest blessing, bringing me closer to Allah.”
