What is the ruling if one breaks the fast in the month of Ramadan as s/he is infected with Coronavirus?

Answer

Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Thus, every adult and habitant Muslim who is physically able to fast must fast. Allah says in His book: “O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” Al-Baqarah: 183

 It is haram not to fast and waste this pillar in case all conditions are valid.

Abu Huraira reported the messenger of Allah who said, “If anyone breaks his fast one day in Ramadan without a concession, or without being ill, a perpetual fast will not atone for it even if he observes it.”

However, breaking the fast in the month of Ramadan is allowed if anyone suffers a lot because of their sickness and may have other complications when fasting. It is also allowed if one needs to take timed pills and nutrition during the day. It is worth mentioning that the one who is responsible to decide whether to fast or not is the Muslim himself or their Muslim physician.

If the disease is temporary and the Muslim will get well, they must compensate fasting later.

Allah says: “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

Nevertheless, if the disease is chronic, and there is no hope in getting well, a ransom is obligatory.

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

What is ransom?

It is to give two meals, almost equal to the ones that you have, to a poor instead of every day you miss, provided that its value must not be less than the fast-breaking charity.

Therefore, if it is medically proved that a patient who suffers from Coronavirus will find it hard to fast, or fasting will cause complications to them, they are allowed to break the fast in the month of Ramadan. They must make up the days, or if it is hard, they can pay ransom by feeding a poor.