If you're living with a terminal illness, you may have questions about fasting during Ramadan. Ramadan can change your eating patterns and how you take your medication. Here, we talk about fasting safely, medication and fasting, and what to do if you can't fast.
On this page:
Ramadan and fasting
Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar. It involves fasting during daylight for the whole month. As well as fasting, many Muslims try to improve their relationship with Allah, family members and friends.
A fast during Ramadan takes place between sunrise and sunset. During these times, fasting Muslims don't:
- eat any food
- drink anything, including water
- have sex
- smoke.
When is Ramadan in 2024?
The dates of Ramadan and the hours of fasting change each year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar calendar.
In 2024, Ramadan is expected to be between 11 March and 10 April in the UK.
Deciding whether to fast
The Qur'an says that some people don't have to fast.This includes people with a terminal illness, and older people who are frail or ill.
Deciding whether to fast is a big decision, and you might have lots of feelings. You might feel:
- guilty, that you can't take part in an important ritual
- worried that you'll feel less close to your faith
- worried that you'll disappoint friends or family members
- upset, if the people around you are fasting and you don't feel involved.
It's important to make a decision that is safe for you. If you're not sure whether you want to fast, or whether fasting is safe for you, remember that you don't have to make the decision alone.
Speak to your doctor for advice about whether it's safe. You could ask what effect fasting might have on your illness and treatments, and whether you may be able to adjust your medication.
Speak to your Imam for spiritual advice and support. They may be able to talk to you about any difficult feelings you're having.
You could also read our information on spiritual pain.
If you can't fast
Depending on your circ*mstances, Islamic teachings say there are other things you can do if you miss a fast. You could:
- fast at another time, if you are well enough
- give food or donations to someone less fortunate.
Most mosques have a system in place to organise this. Ask the Imam at your local mosque for further details. They may be able to give you guidance on what's best for you.
Fasting safely
Fasting when you have a terminal illness isn't always safe. For example, your doctor might sometimes recommend you drink lots of fluids if you have symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea, or you're on certain chemotherapy treatments.
It's important to speak to your doctor before making any changes to your medications or how much you eat and drink.
They will let you know whether fasting is safe for you and what effect fasting might have. They will also try to support your decision.
Medicines during fasting
During Ramadan, taking medicine orally (by mouth) is considered to be breaking the fast. If you're taking regular medicine or nutritional supplements and want to fast, speak to your doctor about your options before you start.
Your doctor may be able to make changes to your treatment – for example, they may be able to change your medicine or change the times you take it.
Speak to your doctor before you make any decisions about fasting. They can talk to you about the effects, and whether it is safe for you.
Other medicines
There are different opinions about which types of medicines are considered to be breaking a fast. Things that aren't food and drink aren't considered to break the fast - for example patches, eardrops, and eyedrops. For guidance on specific medicines, speak to your doctor.
External websites
British Nutrition Foundation – healthy fasting during Ramadan
Muslim Council of Britain – information about Ramadan
