Missing Fasts during Ramadhaan because of Studies

Q: Saum-34: We are students studying at college and fasting is Fardh for Us. Although we have the strength to fast, it affects our studies because our classes take place from eleven in the morning to six in the evening Furthermore, we are writing our qualifying exams in a months time and the only time we have to prepare for it is the holy month of Ramadhaan Failing these exams would be a tremendous loss to us. Can we miss the fasts of Ramadhaan with the intention of repeating them afterwards?

Answer: It will not be permissible in the given circumstances to miss the fasts Of Ramadhaan even though you intend to repeat them afterwards. The loss suffered for not fasting during Ramadhaan without a valid excuse can not be compensated for even if one fasts all one's life.

Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah RADI. reports that Rasulullaah SAW. said, The person who misses a single fast during Ramadhaan without a valid excuse or illness cannot compensate for it even if he fasts all his life.

Valid excuses for missing the fast are:

1.Such illness with which one is incapable of fasting or which will become more severe or prolonged if one fasts

2.when one is a Musaafir according to the definition of the Shari'ah

3.When under duress

4.Pregnancy or breast feeding: when there is fear of danger to the life of the mother or child or when there is a risk of any one of the two coming to any harm

5.Such hunger or thirst that may lead to death or loss of senses

6.when a person is so old that s/he has no strength to fast

7.Women who are menstruating or experiencing afterbirth bleeding must not fast. If they fast, the fast will be invalid and they will be guilty of a sin

8.A person fighting the Kuffaar in battle may not fast when there is fear of him not being able to fight due to weakness.
and Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.3