When fasting during Ramadan becomes particularly challenging due to extreme weather conditions or long daylight hours, Islamic law provides several options for Muslims to ensure they are fulfilling their religious obligations without causing harm to their health. Here’s how they can approach the situation:

1. **Recognizing the hardship**: Islam recognizes that fasting during extreme conditions can be difficult, and the religion prioritizes health and well-being. The Quran mentions that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity (Quran 2:286). Therefore, if fasting in such conditions becomes physically detrimental, it is important to assess the situation carefully.

2. **Options available**:

– **Tafseer or Exemption Based on Health**: If fasting could cause harm to a person’s health (e.g., dehydration or exhaustion in extreme heat), they may be exempted from fasting. The person could choose to make up for the missed fasts at a later time when conditions are more manageable.

– **Fidya (Compensation)**: If someone is unable to fast due to illness or severe hardship (including extreme weather conditions), they can pay fidya, which is a form of compensation. Fidya involves feeding a poor person for each missed day of fasting, typically by giving the equivalent of a meal. This is an option for those who are unable to fast permanently due to chronic illness or other long-term factors.

– **Making up missed fasts (Qada)**: If the hardship is temporary (for example, extreme heat or long daylight hours), and the individual is able to fast once the conditions change, they can make up the missed fasts later in the year.

– **Adjusting fasting schedule (when possible)**: If a person is in an area where the daylight hours are extremely long, some scholars suggest following the timings of the closest Muslim-majority country with more reasonable fasting hours, provided this doesn’t compromise the authenticity of the fast.

3. **Seeking medical advice**: If the physical challenge stems from health issues exacerbated by fasting, it’s advised to consult a medical professional to determine whether fasting could cause harm, and to receive recommendations on managing fasting in extreme conditions.

In general, Islam offers flexibility in cases of hardship. The key is to maintain the spirit of the fast while safeguardi If a Muslim is living in a country where fasting during Ramadan is particularly challenging due to extreme weather conditions or long daylight hours, how should they approach their obligation to fast, and what options are available to them if fasting becomes physically detrimental?ng one’s health.