Ayatollah Golpayegani’s Fatwa on Fasting during Ramadan in the Time of Coronavirus

The Shia  Prominent Cleric, Ayatollah Safi Golpaygani answered a question about fasting during Coronavirus outbreak.

What follows is the question and answer:

Question: Considering the announcement by the Medical Sciences Academy that fasting cannot be the cause of Corona infection; in current condition, is fasting Wajib in the Blessed Month of Ramadan?

Answer by the Grand Ayatollah Safi: Generally fasting is Wajib for every Muslim, and breaking the fast without religious excuse, in addition to Qadha fasting, has also intentional Kaffarah (atonement). Yes, if any person has logical fear of getting infected or intensification of the illness, do Iftar, and instead do its Qadha.