Q. Does a pregnant woman or a nursing mother have to fast? 

Mrs. A. Khan

(Cardiff) 

A. If a pregnant or a nursing woman fears harm for her own health or that of her child, her fasting is valid though it is permissible for her to refrain from fasting. If she opts for Iftar, the schools coincide that she is bound to perform its Qada' later. However, they differ regarding its substitute (Fidyah) and atonement (Kaffarah). In this regard the Hanafis observe: It is not at all Wajib; the Malikis are of the opinion that it is Wajib for a nursing woman, not for a pregnant one and the Hanbalis and the Shafi'is say that Fidyah is Wajib upon a pregnant and a nursing woman only if they fear danger for the child; but if they fear harm for their own health as well as that of the child, they are bound to perform the Qada' only without being required to give Fidyah. The Fidyah for each day is one Mudd, which amounts to feeding one needy person.

(VERILY, ALLAH TAA’LA IS ALL-KNOWING!)