A kidney patient making up the missed days of Ramadan

Q: I am a Kuwaiti citizen, 27 years of age, and for two years I suffered from kidney disease that caused me to require dialysis. Physicians told me that I needed one of my brothers to donate a kidney to me. My younger brother, who is two years younger than me (25 years old), agreed to do so and the operation was successful by the grace of Allah. The doctors advised me not to fast as I must drink a cup of water every hour. My brother was also advised not to fast. Physicians told me that if I were to try to fast, I would endanger my life. Only someone who has this disease can know just how much I have suffered. In my situation, am I required to fast or not? My brother fasted Ramadan last year (two years after the operation) and it obviously affected him. I advised him not to do so, but he rejected my advice and continued fasting. Please answer my question soon. What am I supposed to do if I do not fast? How much am I supposed to pay for each day or for the entire month? May Allah protect and guide you to what is good for Islam and Muslims.

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, then you are permitted to break your fast during the month of Ramadan as long as you are in such a state. Allah (Exalted be He) says: ...and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. (Part No. 10; Page No. 182) If you are able to fast in the future, then you are required to make up for any days that you did not fast. If, however, you cannot fast, then you should feed a needy person for every missed day of fasting. We ask Allah to restore you to health as He is All-Hearing and answers our prayers.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.