Al-Azhar Fatwa confirms that fasting is a fundamental Islamic duty, but it is conditional upon the person’s ability. A sick person is permitted to break the fast if fasting would cause real harm, worsen the illness, or delay recovery, as emphasized in the Quran:
﴿And whoever is ill or on a journey – then [fast] an equal number of other days…﴾ [Al-Baqarah: 185].

Criteria for Illness Allowing Fasting to be Broken:
Fasting is permitted for the sick if one of the following applies:

• Causing actual harm to the body.

• Worsening the illness or symptoms.

• Delaying recovery.

This should be determined by a trusted medical opinion or confirmed past experience.

Scholarly Opinions:
Classical jurists agree that simply having a disease name or a mild symptom is not enough; the key is real harm or undue hardship:

• Al-Kasani: Fasting is not allowed for those whose illness would be harmed by it.

• Ahmad al-Dardir: Fasting must be broken if it could worsen illness, delay recovery, or cause severe harm.

• Al-Nawawi: Only hardship that is hard to endure permits breaking the fast.

• Umar al-Kharaqī: Permitted to break the fast if it aggravates the illness.

Is a Headache Alone a Valid Excuse?
Al-Azhar clarified that a mild, tolerable headache is not sufficient for breaking the fast unless it is part of a serious illness threatening health as confirmed by a medical professional.

Balancing Duty and Preservation of Life:
Al-Azhar emphasized that religious concessions should not be misused; those at risk of harm must break their fast, while healthy individuals should observe it, following the principle of ease in Islam:
﴿Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship﴾ [Al-Baqarah: 185].

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