A doctor from the UK asked Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa about the use of treatment methods such as hormone patches, contraceptive implants, hormone depot injections, pain relief gels, deep freeze, and deep heat during fasting. Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 21 March 2022, provided the following instructions in this regard.
“During the use of any medical treatment, while fasting, it is very important to keep in mind some fundamental principles. The first and foremost thing is that Allah the Almighty has commanded the sick and travellers that they should not observe fast in the state of illness or travel, and should complete the missed fasts after the recovery from illness or completion of the journey. And if a person is suffering from a chronic illness and has no hope of getting better, then in such a situation, if he is able to afford it, he should offer fidyah. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185)
“However, if someone is experiencing a health condition that medical experts have confirmed will not be harmful if they fast, then they are allowed to fast even in that state.
“If such a medical condition requires the use of medication, the medicine should only be taken before starting the fast or after breaking it. During the fast, no medication should be taken that enters the body. However, if the medicine is only applied to the skin and does not enter the body, such as an ointment, cream, gel, or spray, then it is permissible to use it during the fast.
“A medication that is administered through surgery or injection and slowly releases into the body, cannot be injected during fasting as is also the case with regular medicines or food and drink items. It can only be administered into the body before starting the fast or after breaking it. It is not permissible to inject such medication during fasting.”