In the UK, summer fasts can exceed 18 hours, and for Muslims working long shifts—whether in the NHS, security, construction, or corporate law—the physical toll can be immense. A frequent question arises: "My job is exhausting. Do I still have to fast?"
The general rule is clear: Work is not an excuse to break the fast. Earning a livelihood is a duty, but it does not override the pillar of Islam. However, Islamic Law recognizes the concept of "Unbearable Hardship" (Mashaqqah). This guide breaks down exactly where that line is drawn.
Scholarly Consensus Overview
Scholars agree that fasting is an individual obligation. Employment is not a valid excuse to abandon it unless the thirst/hunger reaches a life-threatening stage or causes severe illness.
Are You Physically Capable?
The obligation to fast rests on the capability of the individual. If your work combined with fasting poses a genuine threat to your health (not just hunger or fatigue), the ruling may change.
Work Capacity Check
Assess if your work conditions might exempt you from fasting.
Defining "Hardship" (Mashaqqah)
Every fast involves some hardship—thirst, hunger, and tiredness are expected parts of the worship. This "normal" hardship is not a valid reason to break the fast.
However, if the hardship reaches a level where there is a reasonable fear of falling ill, fainting, or suffering physical harm (Darurah), it becomes permissible—and sometimes obligatory—to break the fast.
Hardship vs. Harm Checker
Distinguishing "difficulty" from "medical necessity".
Normal Symptoms (Must Fast)
Critical Signs (May Break)
Select symptoms to check your status.
Balancing Work and Worship
Before considering breaking the fast, you must exhaust all other options to make the fast possible. This might mean adjusting your lifestyle, sleep schedule, or working conditions.
Important: If you cannot fast due to your job, you cannot simply skip it. You must either Change your Job, Change your Shift, or take Leave. If none are possible and you risk starvation/harm, you consume only enough to restore strength and must make up (Qada) the day later.
UK Workplace Rights
Under the Equality Act 2010, UK employers are required to consider flexible working requests for religious observance unless there is a clear business reason to refuse. You can request reasonable adjustments.
Workplace Adjustment Planner
1. Speak to Your Manager Early
Under UK Equality Act 2010, employers must consider "reasonable adjustments" for religion. Ask to skip lunch breaks in exchange for leaving early.
2. Adjust Break Times
Request to move your breaks to fit prayer times (wudu/salah) rather than taking a long lunch you can't use.
3. Use Annual Leave Strategically
If the last 10 nights are critical, book leave then. Or book half-days on Fridays to rest before Jumu'ah.
The Red Line
Where do scholars draw the line?
- 1Pre-emptive Breaking:
You cannot wake up and say "I have a hard day, I won't fast." You must start the fast (Niyyah) and only break it IF you reach the point of collapse during the day.
- 2Exams or Sports:
Exams, football matches, or gym sessions are never valid excuses to break a fast. These are choices, not necessities of survival.
Methodology
Mashaqqah (Hardship) Framework
We applied the legal maxim: "Necessity renders prohibited things permissible", strictly limited by the condition: "What is permitted by necessity is estimated by the extent thereof".
- Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah: Fatwas on bakers and foundry workers.
- Resolutions of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy: Concessions for ardent labour.