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@ Halal | March-April . 2022
Islam values life The act of taking medication during Ramadan to protect health is in line with the Maqasid al-Shariah
BY FATIHAH MANAF
ISLAM puts high value and great emphasis on human life . Life is sacred and must be protected and preserved by all Muslims . The preservation of life is one of the Maqasid al-Shariah . Therefore , taking care of one ’ s life is essential and must be prioritised .
With Ramadan coming , there will be questions on the exemption of fasting for sick people . While fasting during the holy month is obligatory , Muslims must be made aware that prioritising their health is equally important .
During the interview with @ Halal , Sahibus Samahah Datuk Wira Haji Abdul Halim Tawil , Mufti of the State of Melaka , emphasised the importance of medication during Ramadan .
According to Abdul Halim , the objective of medication consumption in Islam is to protect one ’ s health and life . Therefore , if a person is afflicted with a disease , the disease has granted him an excuse to not fast .
“ The scholars are also of the opinion that if the act of fasting may lead to an even severe mudarat ( harm ) such as death , it is obligatory for these people to not fast . It is called hifzu nafs in Islam . Protecting one ’ s life is also an obligation in Islam ,” said Abdul Halim .
He added that such an exemption from Ramadan fasting to consume medication was also part of Muslims ’ responsibility in safeguarding the Maqasid al-Shariah . There are five elements of Maqasid al-Shariah , which are : the protection of religion , the protection of intellect , the protection of life , the protection of lineage and the protection of property .
“ So , if there are things that abstain us from fasting , we will look at the Maqasid al-Shariah .”
The obligation of Ramadan fasting
Abdul Halim first explained that fasting during the month of Ramadan was the order from Allah for Muslims . It is for them to refrain themselves from consuming food and drinks , including medicines that directly go through open cavities .
He highlighted that Ramadan fasting is obligatory upon every mukallaf ( capable Muslims ). He quoted Surah Al-Baqarah verse 183 :
O believers ! Fasting is prescribed for you — as it was for those before you … ( The Quran , 2:183 )
Based on verse 184 of Surah Al-Baqarah , two categories of people are exempt from Ramadan fasting . They are musafir ( travellers ) and sick .
….. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey , then let them fast an equal number of days after Ramadan ….. ( The Quran , 2:184 )
Abdul Halim said travel experiences might be different nowadays as one could travel to a place by car or other modes of transportation . So , these travellers could decide for themselves if they want to fast or opt for rukhsah ( concession ) granted to them to break their fast .
“ However , in the context of the sick , there ’ s an extensive debate on it . In fiqh , those who are ill are excused from Ramadan fasting . For women under this categorythose who experience hayd ( menstruation ) and nifas ( postnatal bleeding ), it has become an obligation not to fast . These people are not allowed to fast .
“ Next , the sick also include those who suffer from physical illnesses in which these illnesses cause them to be incapable of fasting . For example , people who are dependent on medication , need continuous treatment , are involved in an accident , etc .”
Travellers and those categorised as sick need to qadha ( replace ) their fast later when the situation allows them to or when they get healthy .
Exempt from Ramadan fasting
In further discussion of the sick , Abdul Halim said some people were entirely exempt from the responsibility of Ramadan fasting . These groups of people do not have to replace their fast .
“ If someone has the type of illness that they have to continuously live with , with no possibility to recover , such as an elderly person who suffers from dementia or stroke , there ’ s no obligation for this person to replace their fast . Instead , their fast can be replaced with fidyah .”
However , people whose illnesses are temporary need to replace their fast once they recover .
“ Islam aims to protect health and prevent harm ,” said Abdul Halim .
In Surah Al-Baqarah , verse 185 , it was stated : ‘ Allah intends ease for you , not hardship .’ “ Therefore , it is permissible for those who are not capable of fasting not to fast . Consuming medication is one of the processes that permit them to not fast , especially the medications that require them to take during the day . Wallahualam .”