Can a Woman Who Is Not Fasting Eat in Public?

It is noteworthy to state that the month of Ramadan is a blessed month and an opportunity for every Muslim to draw near to Allah, to increase his or her morality and spirituality, and to gain abundant reward. A woman who is not fasting due to her monthly period should observe the sanctity of Ramadan by choosing to eat and drink discreetly rather than making a public display of it.

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto,Ontario, Canada, states the following: As a muslim lady, you are best advised to observe the sanctity of Ramadan by choosing to do so discreetly rather than making a public display of it.

Having said this, however, I must state that there is nothing wrong for you to eat and drink while you are not fasting due to reasons that are acceptable in the Shari`ah. We know from the authentic sources that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to eat and drink in public in order to show people that they are allowed to so while journeying or in jihad. Therefore, we also find the practice of the Prophet’s Companions never abstaining from food and drink while they were traveling during the month of Ramadan. Therefore, you need not have any inhibition in this matter.