Question
Reference number: 178229 | Fasting | June 3, 2018
Is it allowed to break the fast in the month of Ramadan as I have many exams to do, and I need to pay an effort in studying and concentration promising to make up the missing days later?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Referring to your question, the need to concentrate while studying is not considered a major excuse which gives you a permission to break the fast. Observing as-Saum is obligatory on every Muslim who is asked to perform religious duties, and a student who needs to study for the exams is not excused. Excuses are for those who are ill, on journeys, elderly, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Allah says: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guide for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days.” Al-Baqarah: 185