Are people who live in extremely hot regions obliged to fast even though it is difficult for them?
Question: 129831
In the Sahara region, the month of Ramadan may come in the summer and it is difficult for them to fast and it may be impossible for them. This will continue for a number of years. How should these people fast?.
Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah and his family.
When the month of Ramadan begins, every Muslim who is accountable, not travelling and in good health is obliged to fast. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, 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].
So fasting is obligatory even at times when it is hot, because fasting Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam. If a person fasts and then suffers intense thirst in which there is the fear that he may die, he may break the fast by drinking enough to keep him alive, then he should refrain from eating and drinking, and make up that day at another time. And Allah knows best.
And Allah is the source of strength. May Allah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and Companions. End quote.
Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas
Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Baaz, Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Ghadyaan, Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez Aal al-Shaykh, Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd
Source:
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah – vol. 2, 9/145
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