Ruling on Delaying the Missed Fasts of Ramadan

Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله)

Question:


What is the ruling if someone delays making up the missed fasts of Ramadan until after the next Ramadan?

Answer:

If a person has missed fasts during Ramadan due to a valid Shar'i excuse (such as travel or illness), then it is obligatory to make up the missed fasts before the arrival of the next Ramadan. The period between the two Ramadans is a blessing from Allah, providing ample time to make up for the missed fasts.

However, if someone delays making up the fasts until after the next Ramadan without a valid excuse, then along with making up the missed fasts, it is also obligatory to feed one poor person for each day of missed fast as expiation (Kaffarah). This is the opinion of a group of the Sahabah (رضي الله عنهم). The amount of food to be given is half a Sa' from the staple food of that region. One Sa' is approximately equivalent to 1.5 kilograms, whether it be dates, rice, or any other food.

If the fasts are made up before the next Ramadan, then no expiation (Kaffarah) is required.
 
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