Nonobservance of Sawm by a gastric ulcer patient

Q: My brother suffers from a gastric ulcer. His doctor restricted the foods he is allowed to eat and prohibited him from observing Sawm (Fast) for the next five years. My brother attempted to fast, but it badly affected his health. What is the ruling on this case?

A: If this is the condition of your brother, and the doctor who advised him to abstain from Sawm is reliable, honest and knowledgeable, then he should follow his doctor's advice. Therefore, he should not fast during the month of Ramadan until his health improves to the extent that he is able to observe Sawm. Allah (Exalted be He) says: ...but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. (Part No. 10; Page No. 188) Allah (Exalted be He) also says: ...and He has not laid upon you in religion any hardship And: Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: When I command you to do anything, do of it as much as you possibly can. Whenever your brother recovers, he must make up for the months of Ramadan that he missed. We ask Allah to grant us, him, and all our Muslim brethren good health.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.