March-April . 2022 | @ Halal
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Medications that do not invalidate fasting
Abdul Halim then explained some types of medications and treatments permissible while fasting . He said eye drops , ear drops , dental treatment , balm , cream , lotion , injection were all permissible during fasting as they would not void the fast .
“ Donating blood does not invalidate fast . However , if the act causes them to faint and pass out , this will invalidate the fast .
“ Next , taking a sublingual tablet which is usually put under the tongue , will not void someone ’ s fast . However , if the patient swallows the tablet , this will invalidate their fast .”
He then added that local anaesthesia would not invalidate fast while general anaesthesia would invalidate the fast .
“ Majority of scholars are of the opinion that the haemodialysis process for kidney treatment does not invalidate fast . However , if the procedure brings harm to patients , in which they become weak and in need of supplements , it is permissible for them to break the fast .”
Touching on the type of medication which holds two opinions , whether it invalidates the fast or not , Abdul Halim said : “ There are contemporary views when it comes to medical treatment and fasting like the usage of inhaler for asthma patients .”
“ It is of the opinion that its usage is permissible and does not invalidate the fast because it does not make one feel satiated . I also agree that it does not invalidate the fast , if , it is only used when necessary .
“ I agree with this view as it shows that the patient still puts an effort to perform fasting .”
He further elaborated that it was for medical purposes , and the aim was to protect
life . If there is more than one opinion on the matter , it is up to the individuals to choose the one that suits their personal beliefs .
Importance of medication
Abdul Halim said among the initiatives that Muslim patients could take in preparation for Ramadan was to consult healthcare professionals . The consultation aims at changing and adjusting the timing of their medication intake .
“ They need to put effort ( to fast ) first ,” said Abdul Halim , explaining that some adjustments to the medication ‘ diet ’ and doses could be made to suit the timing for fasting .
“ For example , we can take the medication before Subuh , with the condition that the doctor recommends such an adjustment , and the dose of the medicine can last until the sunsets .
“ However , if we are sick and need to frequently take the medication , for example , once every four hours with the advice from the doctor , then our priority will be to protect our life .”
He said the concept of fiqh involved in such a decision was ‘ la dharar wa la dhirar ’— Muslims must not harm themselves and bring harm to others . Another method is ‘ masyaqqah tajlibu al-taisir ’, which means there will be leniency if there is a difficulty .
“ Like the previous context , if there ’ s a difficulty that threatens life and we have to become dependent on medications , there will be leniency not to perform fasting .”
He highlighted the importance of consulting doctors and pharmacists before fasting during Ramadan . He said the views of experts in specific fields such as healthcare were more accurate to determine and identify the individuals ’ health conditions . However , these healthcare professionals must act with professionalism and be transparent with the patients .
“ Alhamdulillah , I would like to congratulate those who try their best and put efforts to fast even though they are sick . However , in Islam , the obligation for fasting is nulled if the act of fasting brings more significant harm to their health and threatens their life .
“ Therefore , patients who suffer from chronic illnesses must receive intensive care and consistently consume medications to ensure the stability of their health and quickly recover . Taking care of one ’ s health is also a responsibility .
“ Health is a gift from Allah that we must be grateful for . It must be taken care of so that it does not threaten life and bring harm .”
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