Postpartum Muslim Woman In Confinement Draws Criticism For Eating On Livestream During Ramadan

This is why you shouldn't post everything you do on the Internet.

Recently, a Muslim woman who said she was in postpartum confinement came under fire after livestreaming herself eating and drinking during Ramadan, the Islamic fasting month, which falls between Feb 18 and Mar 20 this year.

During Ramadan, adult Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset, having to abstain from food, drink (including water), smoking, and marital relations during daylight hours.

Although the woman’s TikTok account has since been switched from public to private and is no longer viewable, previously screen-recorded videos show her drinking what appears to be a cup of Milo while reading viewers’ comments during a livestream. 

A plate of food could also be seen in front of her throughout the video.

In the video, the woman, who was speaking in entirely in Malay, explicitly stated that she's Muslim while reading out netizens’ comments that called her out for not fasting.

“Respect those who are fasting,” one remarked. Others asked: “Do you feel proud?”, and “Are you showing off?”

Many also questioned her decision to eat openly during the fasting month, while others condemned her for lacking proper upbringing and manners.

The woman, however, responded that she was in postpartum confinement and therefore was not required to fast, before responding to the comments.

Women who have just given birth are generally exempt from fasting due to the physical demands of recovery, postpartum bleeding, and breastfeeding.

Islamic tradition allows women to make up the missed days later or pay fidyah (compensation) if they are unable to fast during Ramadan. 

“If you don’t like it, you can leave,” she said. “[I'm] very proud, who asked you to come into my livestream?”

She also asked: “I just like it this way, is that not allowed?" She also clapped back at the aforementioned netizen, saying: "You’re the one without proper upbringing.”

On top of that, a Threads user uploaded the screen recording condemning the woman for “daring to livestream despite not fasting,” and the post drew widespread attention.

Many commenters urged her to respect the religious traditions and etiquette of the fasting month, while some even called on authorities to take action against her.