Illness and Fasting

Author: 
Edited by Adil Salahi, Arab News Staff
Publication Date: 
Fri, 2003-02-21 03:00

Q. I recently had a coronary bypass operation, and now I am fine, although I need to take one tablet every 8 hours. Would it be permissible for me to swallow this tablet without a drink of water and continue to fast? I feel strong enough for the task.

H. Mahmood, Jubail

A. I am afraid no one may change the rules of fasting, or the rules concerning who is exempt from fasting. We cannot open the door to relax any rules in order to suit certain cases, because this may lead to further relaxation and before we know it, the whole method of fasting is changed. You simply cannot take a pill through the mouth, swallow it and remain fasting.

You may ask your doctor if the same medicine could be given in some other form during the month of Ramadan. If there is a possibility, as in the case of taking the same medicine as an intravenous or muscular injection, then the solution is there.

On the other hand, if your doctor says that your medicine cannot be given except orally, and that if you do not take it on time, your health will deteriorate, you must not fast even though you may feel able to do so. When God gives us a concession, we take it. We may not say to God that we refuse to avail ourselves of the exemption He has given us.

Miscellaneous

Q.1. What to do with interest money paid by one’s bank on savings?

Q.2. If one has two houses, using one for living and the other he rents, what zakah he is liable to pay?

Q.3. Is organ donation permissible?

A. Rahim

A.1. If the bank pays you interest on your account, you should take it and give it to poor people, or put it into some project that benefits the Muslim community. You should not take it yourself, or give it to any of your dependents. But you may give it to any poor person.

A.2. Zakah is payable on the net income from a rented property at the rate of 2.5 percent. This is payable every year on the owner’s zakah date.

A.3. Scholars agree that it is perfectly permissible to donate one’s organs for transplant, in order to help patients in need of such organs. This applies to all organs that may be transplanted after death. Hence, Muslims should be encouraged to carry a donation card, making it clear that they authorize the use of their organs for transplant.

Arab News Islam 21 February 2003

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