Since February 28, a war has been ongoing between Israel and Iran. The war reveals its political and economic impacts more clearly with each passing day. However, this also raises the question: "Is it permissible to fast during war and emergency situations?"
Regarding the topic, theologian Agha Hajibeyli, speaking to Modern.az, explained the conditions stipulated by Islamic law concerning fasting.
The theologian stated that in Islamic jurisprudence, the conditions for observing and breaking the fast are clearly and specifically defined, and among these conditions, “war” is not listed as a separate reason:
"In the Holy Quran, the circumstances under which fasting may be postponed are primarily related to travel and illness. It is stated in Surah “Al-Baqarah” that a person who is traveling or ill may make up for the missed days later. However, a state of war or combat conditions are not directly cited as a basis for abandoning the fast.
The theologian emphasized that even during war, acts of worship are not completely suspended. “Even during moments of battle, prayers are performed in a certain manner. This indicates that the concept of worship does not disappear even in the most difficult circumstances; it is simply adapted to the conditions”.
Agha Hajibeyli added that the jurisprudential grounds for breaking the fast have been specifically defined:
"One of these conditions is related to a person being on a journey. A person who travels beyond a specified distance is considered a traveler and may not fast. However, in this case, they must make up for those days later. Another nuance is related to illness. If fasting harms one's health or delays the recovery process, a person may postpone the fast. Conditions such as old age and pregnancy also allow for the postponement of fasting.
The Battle of Badr and the Conquest of Mecca, which occurred during the time of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), coincided with the month of Ramadan. Thus, Ramadan is also a month of conquest. This fact itself demonstrates that wartime conditions do not imply a general cancellation of fasting. If, during war, soldiers travel a certain distance, then the rulings for travelers apply in that case. Otherwise, war is not an automatic reason for a person not to fast".
