What is the ruling on hunger strikes in Islam, and do they have any impact on the biography of the Prophet (PBUH) or the history of the Righteous Predecessors?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If a hunger strike leads to death or the damage of an organ, it is not permissible according to , and its perpetrator is considered a self-murderer. However, if it does not cause harm, there is no religious impediment to it, as it is an abstention from what is permissible, and a Muslim is allowed to abstain from certain permissible things, especially if it achieves a legitimate goal. There is no evidence in the biography of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or in the history of the righteous predecessors of any instance of a hunger strike.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 81411
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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