Topic

Health & Funerals

Medicine, illness, death, funerals and Islamic wills. Short, honest answers for new Muslims.

Do I have to fast if I have a cold or flu?

It depends: a mild cold usually isn't a reason to skip fasting, but flu, fever or needing medicine lets you break the fast and make it up later.

Yes, you can go to the dentist while fasting if you swallow nothing. Check-ups, fillings and local anaesthetic are fine; what can break the fast.

No, elderly Muslims too weak to fast don't have to; they pay fidya by feeding a poor person per day. Healthy older people should still fast.

Can a Muslim baby have donor breast milk? Scholars differ over milk kinship and milk banks; many allow it in NICU necessity.

It depends, but often no: if fasting could trigger or worsen an eating disorder, Islam excuses you. Decide with your doctor and make up or pay fidya.

Yes, smoking breaks the fast according to all four schools, and so do vaping, shisha and snus. Plus nicotine patches and quitting during Ramadan.

It depends: swallowed pills break the fast, but injections, creams and drops usually don't. When to skip the fast and how to plan with your doctor.

No, for most scholars using an asthma inhaler does not break your fast. Here's the minority view, nebulizers, oxygen and your health first.

What does Islam say about children with autism? Mercy, not blame: duties follow capacity, carers are rewarded, and support is encouraged.

Yes, you can make wudu with a cast or bandage: wash the rest as normal and wipe once over the cast (jabira). If wiping harms you, do tayammum.

Yes, Muslims circumcise their sons: Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars call it obligatory, Hanafi and Maliki a strong sunnah. Timing, doctors and the law.

Yes, Muslims can run a marathon. Plan Fajr and Dhuhr around race day, wear modest kit and avoid racing while fasting in Ramadan.