Islam Question and Answer - Ruling on one who breaks the fast because he is working in intense heat

Mon 30/6/1433 - 21/5/2012

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Principles of Fiqh » Jurisprudence and Islamic Rulings » Acts of Worship » Fasting » Expiation

Ruling on one who breaks the fast because he is working in intense heat

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I do very hard work, working in construction in Saudi with fifteen other men. When the month of Ramadaan came, we fasted the first and second days of Ramadaan, then they all did not fast for the rest of Ramadaan, and I did likewise, because I came from Egypt and this was the first time I experienced such weather. In the following year, I fasted Ramadaan. What is the ruling on this, knowing that when the second Ramadaan came I fasted although I had not made up the days I had missed in the previous Ramadaan. Please advise me, may Allaah reward you.

Praise be to Allaah.

This is haraam. It is not permissible for you to do this, because fasting Ramadaan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (pious)” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

What excuse will you give to Allaah when you stand before Him on the Day of Resurrection, when He had given you good health, yet you did not obey His Commandments and follow His aayaat? For Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (pious)” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

The phrase “prescribed for you” means made obligatory upon you, as it was made obligatory upon those who came before you, so that you may become pious. Taqwaa (piety) is described as the aim of fasting, and fasting is a means of attaining taqwa. It is a sin on you for doing that, and you have to repent and seek forgiveness, and regret what has happened in the past. The fact that you are working is not an excuse. You could work at night, or if that is not possible, you could stop working because your work is not essential. You could stop working until the month is over, or do some lighter work which you can do whilst fasting. Not fasting during Ramadaan because you are working is not permissible. If there are days from the previous Ramadaan which you have not made up by the time the next Ramadaan comes, you have to make them up and feed the poor; for each day that you missed you must give a measure (madd) of wheat or half a saa’ of another staple, and you must not do something like this again. Seek the forgiveness of Allaah and remember when you will stand before Him and when He will call you to account. May Allaah help us and you to do that which He loves and which pleases Him. And Allaah knows best.

Samaahat al-Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Humayd, p. 172