Fasting during Ramadan – balancing faith and health

Ramadan is a significant period of reflection, prayer, and fasting for Muslims worldwide. 

During Ramadan, Muslims who are able to fast avoid eating, drinking or taking any medicines by mouth from sunrise to sunset. 

This period is a time many Muslims look forward to, however, if you, or someone you know is living with cancer, having cancer treatment or recovering from it, the traditional fast can come with some challenges.

It's essential to approach Ramadan with both religious and medical considerations in mind. 

Deciding to fast during Ramadan

Balancing faith and health during Ramadan requires careful consideration and support from both medical professionals and the religious community. 

If you're thinking about whether to fast during Ramadan, 

• speak to your local Imam (Islamic leader) to explore what Islam says about fasting when undergoing treatment as that may help with feelings of guilt that show up
• speak to your medical team or GP as they can provide guidance on how to fast safely, considering your specific medical condition and treatment plan

If you can't fast

If you can't fast, you might experience feelings of sadness, guilt, or exclusion. 

It's important to acknowledge these emotions and look to other ways to participate in other acts of worship during Ramadan, such as:

• prayers, reading Quran and spiritual reflection – taking part in Taraweeh (night prayers) and being active in your religious community can provide comfort and spiritual fulfilment 
• making up fasts – if you're unable to fast you can make up fasts at another time of year
• charity – if you're unable to fast during Ramadan and make up the missed fast at a later time, you can make a monetary donation known as Fidya

By making informed decisions and embracing alternative forms of worship and charity, you can still take part in the spiritual month while still prioritising your health and wellbeing. 

Your local Imam or religious leader can offer spiritual advice and encouragement. 

Be kind to yourself

Some ways you can be kind to yourself at this time of year while going through cancer treatment include:

• Talk to your family and friends about your expectations – you may be used to a specific routine at this time of year, but fatigue and other side effects may make this harder. Talk to your immediate network about how this is impacting you and if there are any things that could be delegated to others 
• Pacing and prioritising – Ramadan can invoke a strong sense of motivation and desire to do as many good deeds as possible. However, the physical and emotional impact of cancer and treatment could become a significant barrier to this. Giving space to unwanted limitations can be difficult, but can create space to think about how you adjust to present circumstances in a pace that is sustainable
• Talk to your local Imam – they can help explore and gain knowledge about how to best engage with the month of Ramadan, within a cancer context for example exploring different forms of worship. A trusted religious leader can offer encouragement and understanding in your situation and can help with difficult feelings like guilt or anxiety, whilst promoting engagement with the blessed month in a manageable way
• Just come in to Maggie’s – our centres are a safe, welcoming environment where you can relax, away from a clinical environment and connect with others living with cancer or speak with one of our friendly experts

How Maggie's can help

At Maggie’s we can support you in navigating some of these difficult feelings you may have at this time, explore ways of managing, as well as discuss ways to manage practically. 

• If you can visit us during Ramadan, find your nearest centre and just come in
• You can get support over the phone or email. You can request a callback here

However you spend Ramadan, we'd like to wish you and your family Ramadan Mubarak. 

Last review: Feb 2025 | Next review: Feb 2026