Asymptomatic Covid patients may fast, says UAE scholar

Asymptomatic Covid patients may fast, says UAE scholar

Asymptomatic Covid-19 patients could be allowed to fast during the Holy month of Ramadan if they feel up to it, a top Dubai cleric has said.

Dr Mohammed Ayada Al Kobaisi, Grand Mufti at the fatwa section of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai, told Khaleej Times that asymptomatic Covid-19 patients could fast, if they self-isolate themselves at home and follow all precautionary norms.

Fasting during the holy month is mandatory for all able Muslims and is considered to be an act of worship. Islam excuses people from fasting, if they are unable to do so due to valid reasons.

“Covid-19 patients are permitted not to fast during Ramadan. But if they don't have any symptoms or have mild ones and don't need any medication, they can certainly fast. The only condition for fasting for them is that they should be able to do so without causing themselves any physical harm or complications that may further worsen their health,” he said.

Tenets of Islam upholds that Allah never burdens a soul more than it can bear and intends unease. Allah has pardoned people who are unable to fast