What is the jurisprudential ruling on the hunger strike of political prisoners in Zionist jails, which may lead to death, in order to achieve demands related to improving their conditions?
The Lawgiver (Allah) commanded the preservation of health and prohibited everything harmful to the body. He warned those who kill themselves with severe punishment in the Hellfire. From this, it is deduced that going on a hunger strike that causes harm or death is absolutely impermissible, regardless of the motive. However, if the strike does not cause harm to the striker and serves as a legitimate means to achieve objectives that cannot be achieved otherwise, some scholars have ruled it permissible, with the obligation to stop upon feeling harm.
As for imprisonment, if it is by a legitimate right (shar'i), the prisoner must repent and restore injustices. If it is without a legitimate right (i.e., unjust), the prisoner must be patient and seek reward from Allah (ihtisab), and turn to Allah to be freed.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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