Thus, the correct view is that he may not break his fast until he has left the town. For this reason, he may not shorten the prayer until he has departed from the town; likewise, he may not break his fast until he has departed from it.

If he is permitted to break his fast during the day, may he do so by eating and drinking, or by whatever invalidates the fast he wishes?

The answer is that he may break his fast by eating, drinking, having intercourse with his wife, or any other act that invalidates the fast.

If a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding woman breaks her fast out of fear for herself, she need only make it up. But if she does so out of fear for her child, she must make it up and feed one needy person for each day.

The author, may Allah have mercy on him, says: “If a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding woman breaks her fast out of fear for herself, she need only make it up. But if she does so out of fear for her child, she must make it up and feed one needy person for each day.” The author thereby indicates that it is permissible for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman to break her fast even if she is not ill. This applies to the beginning and end of pregnancy, and to the beginning and end of breastfeeding. This is because fasting may be difficult for a pregnant woman due to the pregnancy, especially in its final months. Moreover, her fasting may affect the growth of the fetus if her body lacks nourishment, so the fetus may become undernourished and weak.

Likewise, if a breastfeeding woman fasts, her milk supply may decrease, thereby harming the child. Thus, it is from Allah’s mercy, Exalted is He, that He granted them this concession to break the fast.

Their breaking of the fast may be out of consideration for their own condition, or for the condition of the child—the fetus or the infant—or for both their own condition and that of the child.