Alzheimer's and fasting

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

Alzheimer's and fasting

Question

Is the fasting of Alzheimer’s patients invalidated by eating and drinking out of forgetfulness?

Answer

Dar al-Ifta issued a fatwa stating that the fast of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who eat or drink while forgetting that they are fasting, is valid. They do not need to make up the fast or make expiation.

Dar al-Ifta explained in its fatwa that Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the mind. An Alzheimer’s patient experiences many symptoms and goes through several stages starting with forgetfulness, diminished memory, and finally a complete loss of memory. The fatwa added that the opinion chosen for fatwa is that an Alzheimer’s patient who eats or drinks absentmindedly during the fasting hours of Ramadan does not need to make up his fast or make expatiation and that their fast is valid.

God Almighty knows best.
 

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