Question:

As-salam,
As per your fatwa no. 81573 about Pregnant Woman Fasting in Ramadan, it is stated that..."If the pregnant woman fears for her life or for the life of her foetus when she fasts, it is lawful for her to break the fast and make up later the same number of days she had missed to fast during Ramadan". It is understood that, basically the women should fast and in event of fear only, she should break the fast. Would you please explain how the female companions of Prophet practiced during those days.

Fatwa:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

We have already clarified in the said Fatwa that a pregnant woman can break the fast if she fears harm on herself or her foetus. The Prophet said: "Allah has permitted a travelling person to break his fast and make it up later, and permitted him to shorten his prayers, similarly, He has permitted a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding one to break the fast." [At-Tirmithi] We believe that the female companions, may Allah be pleased with them used to take advantage of these permissions from Allah when pregnant.

Allah Knows best.

Fatwa answered by: The Fatwa Center at Islamweb