Q: My son plays soccer for South Africa PSL soccer.This is his profession and he earns his rozi from this. He lives on his own, as I reside in Asia and he is responsible for all his living expenses. Every year he fasts during Ramadaan even though he is training daily and also playing matches with his team. This sets him back physically from his peers at least two months. This year, Ramadaan falls in the pre-season period, during which his team will be doing intensive training and drills, it is a crucial period for him as the coach chooses players for the next season which commences early august immediately after pre-season. He is 20 years old and this is not considered young in the world of sport, he does not have time or room for slacking behind the other players anymore. He has been playing since the age of 14 and age will soon be against him. Is there an Islamic ruling/law/fatwa that can excuse him from Ramadaan fasting this year seeing that his career depends on his performance during June and July this year? Maybe some kind of penalty he can pay?
A: This is not a valid excuse in Shari'ah to miss out the fast. Hence if one misses the fast, one will be sinful.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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