Islam and the Quran

Does taking pills break the fast?

Question: I have a slipped disk in my back. I have to take two pills a day. I want to fast in Ramadan. Does it break my fast if I take these pills without any water during the day?

Pills break the fast. It is stated in the verses about fasting that sick people have permission to postpone their fasting duties. If you would like to fast in Ramadan, and can adjust the pill times according to iftar and suhoor, you can fast. If your doctor says that you absolutely have to take those pills on other times, you shouldn’t fast until you get better. You should count the days you didn’t fast and complete them when you recover. Allah the Almighty says:

“Fast for a certain number of days. Whoever among you is sick or on a journey, should fast the same number some other days. For those who can endure to fast it, a fee to feed a desperate person is needed. Who does good with a willing heart, it is better for him. But to fast is better for you, if you only knew.” (2:184)

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