Kidney dialysis as a nullifier of Sawm

Q: Some patients - may Allah cure them - suffer from renal failure, so they need to go through kidney dialysis, (Part No. 10; Page No. 190) which is used to provide an artificial replacement for lost kidney function to filter poisonous wastes in the blood typically two or three times a week. Blood is taken to the dialysis machine that carries the removed blood to the dialyzer for filtering out impurities wherein blood is diffused with a dialysate. Kidney dialysis is so necessary to the patient's life that may be endangered because of contingent renal dysfunction.Does this process invalidate Sawm (Fast)? Please bear in mind that it is a necessity and it is so difficult for the patients to break their Sawm and make up for it later, while the only benefit they get is filtering poisonous waste in the blood. In fact, this is a frequently asked question. Please give us information in this regard, may Allah reward you with the best.

A: His Eminence the Manager of King Faysal Hospital and His Eminence the Manager of the Military Hospital in Riyadh were addressed by letters no. 1756/2 dated 14/8/1406 and 1757/2 dated 4/8/1406 respectively to enquire about the nature of the process of kidney dialysis, whether it involves mixing chemicals, and whether it includes nutrients.They replied with letters no. 5693 dated 27/8/1406 and 10/16/7807 dated 19/8/1406 respectively clarifying that through kidney dialysis the blood of the patient is drawn and taken to the dialysis machine (artificial kidney) that carries the removed blood to the dialyzer for filtering out impurities and then returns it to the body. Some chemicals and nutrients are added to the blood, such as carbohydrates, salts (Part No. 10; Page No. 191) and other substances.Having examined the issue in question and understood the nature of kidney dialysis with the help of experts, the Committee gives the Fatwa that kidney dialysis mentioned above invalidates Sawm.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.