Dream - Ramadan fasting is an obligation for Muslims that should not be missed. Besides being a part of religious commandments, Ramadan fasting also has many virtues that would be a shame to miss. However, if we look back at someone's condition, for example, from a professional perspective, this certainly creates a dilemma. On the one hand, Ramadan fasting is obligatory and must be performed. But on the other hand, there are some people whose jobs involve physical labor, such as laborers and athletes. Well, these jobs require a considerable amount of physical strength.

Even the Prophet Muhammad greatly appreciates those who become the backbone of the family. He said that the food consumed by the family members from their hard work has the value of charity. As the Prophet Muhammad said: "The sustenance given by a head of household to his family has the value of charity. Indeed, a person is rewarded even for a mouthful of rice that he puts into the mouths of his family," (HR Muttafaq alaih).

Apart from that, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also stated that the backbone of a family who seeks sustenance for their family will have their status elevated in the hereafter. Their position will be close to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in paradise. Therefore, seeking sustenance is not only an obligation but also holds a value of worship. Allah will reward them as long as they seek sustenance sincerely and seek the pleasure of Allah.

Their job is certainly not easy. Especially if done during the fasting month, it will definitely drain a lot of energy and lead to exhaustion. So, what is the ruling if people with such professions do not fast? In this matter, scholars state that those who have heavy work can be granted permission to break their fast. However, as a precaution, they are still obliged to make the intention to fast at night and it is recommended to have a pre-dawn meal. As explained below:

"Hard workers. According to Abu Bakar Al-Ajurri, if fasting poses a danger due to worry, individuals with heavy work are allowed to break their fast and make it up in another month when leaving that job would bring harm to them. However, if leaving the heavy work does not cause harm, then they are sinful for breaking their fast. But if the emergency, for example, will not disappear by leaving it, then they are not sinful in breaking their fast due to necessity."

While the majority of fiqh experts state that it is obligatory to have sahur (pre-dawn meal) and make the intention for fasting at night for heavy workers such as farmers, bakers, blacksmiths, and miners. If during the day they experience extreme thirst and hunger, they are allowed to break their fast and they must make up for it later. However, if the emergency is truly evident, then they must break their fast because of the saying of Allah ta'ala, "Do not kill yourselves, for indeed Allah is merciful to you" (An-Nisa verse 29). (See Sheikh Wahbah Az-Zuhayli, Al-Fiqhul Islami wa Adillatuh, [Beirut, Darul Fikr: 1985 M/1405 H], second edition, volume II, page 648)

So, when a person feels objection or can reduce stamina and affect their performance, it is better to continue fasting because it goes against the main principle when canceling it. However, if fasting can completely damage their performance at work, it is better to cancel the fast. This is as explained by Jalaluddin Al-Mahalli about travelers: "And the main principle is the cancellation of fasting by a traveler who does not experience difficulty in fasting."

"But when fasting makes it difficult, then it is best for him to break the fast," (See Sheikh Jalaluddin Al-Mahalli, Jam'ul Jawami', [Surabaya, Daru Nasyr Al-Mishriyah: without a year note], volume I, page 121)"