Can I Postpone Fasting Ramadan to Study for an Exam?


Hanafi Fiqh

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question

Is it a duty to fast while preparing for exams?

Answer

I pray you are in the best health and faith, insha’Allah.
Yes, it remains obligatory to fast during exam periods.
Consider some of the tremendous virtues of fasting and the success in this life and the next of those who put Allah first in their own lives, preferring Allah even when things outwardly seem more difficult.
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Allah, the Mighty and Exalted said, ‘Every action of the son of Adam is for himself except for fasting. It is Mine, and I repay it.’…” [Bukhari & Muslim]
Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “No slave fasts one day in the way of Allah without Allah putting his face seventy years’ journey away from the Fire on account of that day.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
The sunna of the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) is to take the means, and that means eating and resting well, working hard, and making many supplications– remembering that the supplication of the fasting person is answered, particularly in the moments before breaking the fast. And make the Prayer of Need (salat al-hajah) part of your daily routine.

Please see:

How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (salat al-haja)?

Missing Fasts because of Exams

Not Fasting in Ramadan to Study for an Important Exam

Supplication for Success in Exam

And Allah alone gives success.

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.

[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam