Am I exempt from fasting?

Support/Advice

Salam everyone

I wanted to ask for some insight as this is a very sensitive topic for me and no one seems to understand it around me.

I am 26, female and have struggled with CFS/ME since I was a child. I also struggle with eating due to an ED which I am in EMDR therapy for to support me. I have worked extremely hard to ensure I am well and functioning Alhamdulilah.

I struggle every year with fasting because of my CFS/ME. I have very limited energy because of my condition and have only just managed to get used to working at reduced hours. I work as an Occupational therapist supporting elderly in their homes.

I often find myself having crashes where I fall asleep straight after work on my sofa for hours or have no energy left to shower/ make food. Therefore, I meal prep on days off work and shower on them days too. I struggle with having energy for my own hobbies and wellbeing.

Unfortunately not everyone understands or accepts CFS/ME as a disability/ health condition. Each year I try my best but tend to manage around maybe 15-16 fasts. I find myself having to take a day off in-between as my body feels like it's crashing and I have no energy to function.

I am especially worried this year as I now work. I drive all day to different homes up to 25 minutes to each patients home. Alhamdulilah I have built myself up to be able to work and drive, it has taken me a long time.

I can't help but feel very guilty for not being able to keep all my fasts. I try to utilise Ramadan in other ways such as softening my heart, charity, self care, praying more. However because I struggle to fast, I'm left feeling like I have to answer to other people as to why? which makes me feel like I am not doing enough.

I want to try my best, I do pay Fidya but even making up the fasts feels really difficult for me.

Posted Feb 15, 2026, 10:48 PM UTC

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