Is it permissible for a person who suffers from a mental illness when fasting Ramadan, and says that it is due to "al-wula'a" or "al-shaqarah" and "al-qat," to abandon fasting?
A Muslim is not permitted to break their fast in Ramadan except for a legitimate Shar'i excuse, such as illness. This person's situation is not an excuse for them to break their fast. Fasting is a psychological comfort for the believer, and perhaps the reason [for their distress] is qat, cigarettes, or a touch from the devil. They must strive against themselves to abandon these afflictions and utilize the blessed month for that purpose. They should also increase in acts of worship, associate with righteous people, stay away from bad company, and make du'a. The saying "religion is ease" is true, but it does not mean abandoning Shar'i obligations without a valid excuse.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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