What is the ruling for refraining from fasting for individuals suffering from liver and gallbladder disease? My wife suffers from these conditions, and her condition prevents her from fasting due to persistent debility, and she cannot walk. Her condition is serious.

It is established in Islamic law that a person who is ill and unable to fast, or who fears that fasting may exacerbate their illness or slow the recovery process, may refrain from fasting during Ramadan if there is a strong likelihood—based on clear indications, experience, or the opinion of a qualified physician—that the illness will worsen or recovery will be delayed. Such a person must subsequently make up the missed fast days of Ramadan if they recover from the illness. However, if the illness is chronic and there is no expectation of recovery, they take the same ruling as an elderly person who is unable to fast. In such a case, they must pay fidya (compensation) by feeding one poor person for every missed fast day. The payment of fidya is contingent on the inability to fast, as this is the prerequisite for transferring from the obligation to make up the fast to the obligation of fidya.

Based on the above, if the inquirer’s wife is unable to fast during Ramadan because of her illnesses, it is permissible for her to refrain from fasting and she is required to make up the missed fast days if she recovers. However, if her illnesses persist for the rest of her life, the obligation to make up the missed fast days is waived, and she must instead pay fidya by feeding a poor person for every missed fast day.

And Allah Almighty knows best.