Guidance

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts was asked about the giving of food by one who is unable to fast in Ramadhaan, such as old men, old women and the incurably sick.

The Permanent Committee responded:

If a person is unable to fast in Ramadhaan because of old age, such as elderly men and women, or it is very difficult for them to fast, then they are allowed not to fast, but they have to feed one poor person for each day, giving half a saa'[1] of wheat, dates or rice etc, the same as he gives to his own family. The same applies to a sick person who is unable to fast or for whom it is very difficult to fast, and there is no hope of recovery for him, because Allaah says:

{Allaah burdens not a person beyond his scope}, soorah al-Baqarah, aayah 286

{…and [Allaah] has not laid upon you in religion any hardship}, soorah al-Hajj, aayah 78

{And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have [a choice either to fast or] to feed a Miskeen (poor and needy person) [for every day]}, soorah al-Baqarah, aayah 184

Reference: Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa – Volume 11, Page 164

Footnote:
[1] One Saa` is equal to four (4) Mudd, and one (1) Mudd is equal to the amount held by cupping the two hands together. It is a measure by volume not by weight.