Fasting exemption for breastfeeding women applies despite formula milk
Question
I read your Fatwa about breastfeeding and fasting. Just wanted to clarify, would the permissibility of not fasting (if detrimental to the child’s or mother’s health) still apply if the baby can be given formula milk, but the parents prefer the baby to have breast milk?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Answer
Yes, the permissibility to not fast applies, even if formula milk is available. Formula milk is not the same as breastfeeding. There are many benefits of breastfeeding which are not found in formula milk.
Allah knows best
Yusuf Shabbir
1 Muḥarram 1445 / 19 July 2023
Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir
