Donating Blood While Fasting in Ramadan: Is It OK and When Is Best?

Can you give blood in Ramadan?

Yes. The Saudi Ministry of Health says blood donation is possible during Ramadan and recommends doing it after the fast is broken. A whole blood donation takes about half a litre of blood, and someone who has gone many hours without food or water is more likely to feel dizzy and tired.

Before every donation the centre checks your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin, and the centre’s doctor makes the final decision.

When is the best time to donate in Ramadan?

After iftar, once you have had enough water and a healthy meal. Avoid very fatty food right before you donate.

Donation centres may change their hours in Ramadan, so call the centre before you go and ask about its evening hours.

Does giving blood break the fast?

This is a religious question for scholars. Many contemporary scholars hold that drawing blood for donation does not invalidate the fast, while some advise waiting until after iftar as a precaution, because the amount is large and can weaken a fasting person. Follow the recognised fatwa authority in your country.

Medically, donating after iftar is the better choice, as the Saudi Ministry of Health advises.

How do you prepare to donate after iftar?

• Drink about half a litre of extra water before your appointment, as the American Red Cross advises.
• Have a healthy iftar and avoid very fatty food before donating.
• Eat plenty of iron-rich food during Ramadan, such as meat, poultry, fish, beans, spinach, dates and raisins.
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
• Bring your ID and a list of the medicines you take.

What should you do after donating?

• Rest at the centre for 10 to 15 minutes and have a light snack and a drink before you leave.
• Drink plenty of fluids that evening and before suhoor.
• Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 5 hours, as the Saudi Ministry of Health advises; the American Red Cross advises avoiding them for the rest of the day.
• If you feel dizzy, lie on your back with your feet raised until you feel better.

More in the guide what to eat and do after giving blood.

When should you wait?

Put off your donation if you feel tired, dizzy or unwell on the day, or if you have not had enough to drink after iftar. Also make sure enough time has passed since your last donation: the Saudi Ministry of Health says you can donate again after eight weeks, no more than five times a year.

Check the other requirements in a minute with Can I donate blood today?, and work out your next date with the next donation calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

This guide is based on the following published sources:

1. Blood donation in Ramadan Saudi Ministry of Health
2. Tips For A Successful Blood Donation American Red Cross
3. Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements American Red Cross

Content and links last reviewed: 17 October 2026. How we write the tools

This tool gives general guidance based on published rules, which differ by country and change over time. It does not replace a medical assessment. The doctor at the donation centre always makes the final decision. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.