Question
Reference number: 525896 | Fasting | May 15, 2022
What is the ruling on breaking the fast in the month of Ramadan because of extreme hardship that I suffer from during final exams? In other words, I feel extremely exhausted if I fast, and I have to do tough exams. If I fail, I will be delayed up to a next year; my family has to pay debts back, and they need me to graduate. Last year, I did the exams while fasting, and I failed. Our exams start at eight o’clock and end at five.
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Initially, doing exams and studying for them are not considered excuses which allow a Muslim to break their fast during the month of Ramadan; there are other more difficult jobs that Muslims usually do during fasting, and they are not allowed to break their fast. Fasting the month of Ramadan is not an ordinary duty, but it is a pillar of the five pillars of Islam. However, if there are certain situations where Muslims are considered excused not to perform a duty, there will be situations where Muslims who suffer from extreme hardship during fasting can break their fast.
Allah says: “and for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man) they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day).” Al-Baqarah: 184
If you fear real exhaustion, if you cannot study, and if you fast with extreme difficulty, you can break the fast in the month of Ramadan, but you have to make up the same number of days later.
Nevertheless, if you suffer from normal fatigue, you have to fast as this is the normal case. In general, when Muslims fast, they feel fatigued. Thus, if you suffer like other people, you are required to fast as Allah says: “And that you fast is better for you if only you know.” Al-Baqarah: 184. You can also manage your time, and you have to be honest with yourself.