Balancing Faith and Health: Adapting Fasting Practices for Chronic Illness

Adapting fasting practices for people with chronic illnesses is not only a manifestation of caring for the body, but also a wise combination of spiritual traditions with medical recommendations. When the body requires regular nourishment or medication, the religious regimen can be adjusted so that its essence is preserved while health is not exposed to unnecessary risks. Individual approaches allow patients to choose the fasting schedule most suitable for them, where the restriction of food gives way to the necessary treatment. This approach is not viewed as a violation of traditions but rather as a responsible adherence to doctors’ recommendations within the framework of spiritual discipline. Ultimately, consultations with a spiritual mentor and a careful following of specialists' advice create an ideal balance between religious practice and self-care, allowing each person to feel confident and harmonious in everyday life.

How can Ramadan practices be adapted for people with chronic illnesses who need to take medication during the day?

To adapt fasting practices for people with chronic illnesses who need to take medication during the daytime, an individual fasting regimen that takes their physiological needs into account can be proposed. In cases where a person requires frequent food intake or medication, they are allowed to deviate from the strict fasting rules, considering this as a medical necessity rather than an arbitrary decision to break the fast.

For example, one source states, "Of these three degrees, everyone can choose any one according to their abilities and constitution – both the healthy and the ill. For the latter, it is difficult to eat only once a day. Happy is the monk who can be content with a single meal" (source: link , page: 3). This statement emphasizes that for people with weakened health, a more suitable eating schedule can be selected, which not only maintains the fast but also ensures the necessary intake of food and medication to support health.

Furthermore, another source provides clear guidance for those who, due to health reasons, are forced to take in food on days traditionally reserved for fasting, stating: "Since you have been compelled by illness to take food on forbidden days, take it as medicine, not arbitrarily out of gluttony, but compulsorily as treatment, and when confessing, you must definitely confess to your spiritual advisor and obtain permission from him, and be at peace" (source: link , page: 2). This means that if health requires regular intake of food or medication, such behavior should not be seen as breaking the fast but rather as necessary medical treatment. It is recommended that such cases be discussed with a spiritual leader, which helps maintain a balance between religious discipline and care for one’s physical condition.

Such an individualized approach allows people with chronic illnesses to uphold both their religious practices and their health. Naturally, when developing a specific regimen, it is important to consider medical recommendations and possibly consult with a spiritual mentor. This ensures the possibility of fasting within rational limits while avoiding additional stress on the body that could result from interrupting the treatment regimen.