Reference: Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Fatwa No.9601
Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 1, Page 389, Fatwa No.348
Question: Does taking exams qualify as a valid reason not to fast during Ramadhaan? The reason being that there are some fataawa which have circulated amongst us which permit not fasting during Ramadhaan for whoever fears that he will be distracted and unable to concentrate. And is it permissible to obey [one’s] parents [if they tell you not to fast whilst taking exams] for that which they have heard of these fataawa which permit not fasting [during Ramadhaan if one is taking exams]?
We anticipate from yourselves a quick response for the problems these fataawa have caused, and may Allaah reward you all with good.
Response: School exams and that which are similar do not qualify as a[n] [acceptable] reason for the permissibility of not fasting during Ramadhaan. And it is not permissible to obey the parents by not fasting during Ramadhaan, because there is no obedience to any of the creation [in doing an act] whilst you are disobedient to the Creator [by doing such an act]. Rather obedience is in [all] that which is good, as is mentioned in the authentic hadeeth of the Prophet ﷺ.
And with Allaah lies all success, and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his family and his companions.
