14.04.2020
The following issues have been deemed appropriate to be shared following many questions asked by the public to the High Board of Religious Affairs regarding fasting and Ramadan due to the global epidemic of Covid-19 that we are experiencing during these holy days when the shadow of the month of mercy, Ramadan al-Sharif, falls upon us:
1. According to the principles of our supreme religion, the time, place and conditions of each worship to be performed have been determined by revelation. It has been made a fardh upon every healthy believer to observe fasting in the month of Ramadan by the command of the Almighty Allah (al-Baqarah, 2/183-185). It is not possible to completely delay this worship.
2. According to the information received from the experts of the field, fasting does not pose a risk for the spread of the disease. Besides, while there is no evidence-based medical diagnosis that fasting affects the immune system negatively, on the contrary, there are scientific publications stating that fasting has positive effects on the immune system.
3. Islam considers the individuals as responsible for the fulfillment of the orders and prohibitions according to their strength and ability, and has put facilitating rulings in situations that exceed their ability or strength, or cause trouble. According to this general principle, some permissions have been granted for postponing the fardh fasting of Ramadan to qada (i.e. to make up later) depending on certain conditions.
4. In case of illness, which is one of the main valid excuses that makes it permissible to not observe fasting in Ramadan as stated in the Holy Qur’an, it is allowed for the fasting of Ramadan to be observed as qada later (al-Baqarah 2/185). Muslim scholars have evaluated in this context the possibility of becoming ill, extending the period of the illness, or increasing the disease in case of observing fasting. Accordingly, those;
· who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and for whom doctors stated that fasting could pose a risk,
· for whom doctors stated that their illnesses will be more severe if they fast,
· who are too old to observe fasting,
· who have chronical diseases that prevent them from fasting,
· who are healthcare professionals concerned about both their health to be deteriorated and the health services to be disrupted if they fast,
· who are pregnant or breastfeeding women
· who are working in severe and difficult jobs and, therefore, are concerned about their health to be deteriorated are allowed to delay their fasting to perform qada later as long as their excuses continue to exist. Those whose health conditions do not allow them to perform qada for the unobserved days of fast must pay the poor a fidyah for each day not fasted.
5. In the fulfillment of the religious duties, it is important for the believers to make the decision with loyalty and sincerity without losing consciousness of servicing to the Almighty Allah (swt) and by consulting doctors, and to avoid arbitrary evaluations.
6. As long as the epidemic continues, everyone should avoid contacting others within the framework of the social isolation rule and in this direction, organizing iftar meals with relatives, neighbors and friends must definitely be avoided.
7. It is not only a civil responsibility but also a religious duty to obey the rules set by the authorities responsible for protecting the public health, and to avoid the attitudes and behaviors that may endanger the lives of themselves and others.
8. Considering the new troubles that may arise during this difficult process we are experiencing, delivering our donations to our brothers and sisters in need and helping them will serve to duly satisfy this month of Ramadan, which is the month of charity, and to keep our consciousness of sharing alive.
9. In these days when we are in sorrow of staying away from the mosques, performing our tarawih prayers and reciting the Qur’an in our respective homes, and directing our prayers and istighfars from our households to the Almighty Allah (swt) will lead us to benefit from the spirituality of the month of Ramadan to the utmost.
We pray that this month of Ramadan leads us to be saved from this epidemic as soon as possible, and that it brings goodness to our nation, to the Ummah, and to all humanity.