Making Up Missed Fasts: A Crucial Reminder Before Ramadan
Understanding the Obligation of Qadha Fasts and Ensuring We Fulfill Our Duties Before the Next Ramadan
Ramadan is just around the corner and just like every other year I see so many people around me getting ready for Ramadan. but yesterday as I was scrolling through reddit I saw a post about women fasting their missed fasts and unfortunately there were a lot of people who weren't aware of this knowledge, they were of the view that just like the missed prayers, the missed fasts doesn't have to be made up either. As I witnessed the chaos that ensued in that comment section I came to a realization that those unaware are not in a minority and so I decided to write this newsletter in hopes that it might reach the right person as Ramadan is upon is.
Sisters if you miss fasts in Ramadan then unlike the missed prayers-you have to make up your fasts and you have to do it before the next Ramadan. Our mother, Aishah Radi’allahu Anha, said;
I had to make up some fasts I missed during the month of Ramadan, but I was unable to do so until the month of Sha’ban as I was busy with Rasulullah Salallahualayhi Wa Sallam.
Sahih al Bukhari 1950 and Muslim 1146
Ruling on a Women Who did not Make up Her Missed Ramadan Fasts for Many Years
Shaykh Ibn Baaz Rahimahullahu Ta’ala was asked:
I have a sister who for several years did not make up the fasts that she missed during Ramadan, because she was unaware of the ruling, especially since some of the common folk told her that she did not have to make up the fasts that she missed. What should she do?
The Shaykh answered:
She has to ask Allah for forgiveness and repent to him, and she has to fast the days that she missed and feed one poor person for each day, as was stated by a number of companions of Rasulullah Salallahualayhi Wa Sallam. This means giving half a saa’, which is equivalent to one and a half kilograms. What some ignorant women told her about her not having to do anything does not waive off this obligation.
Sisters from this it is clear that one have to make up their missed fasts before another Ramadan comes otherwise she is sinning and in such a situation she will have to do two things
Make up her missed fasts
Feed one poor person for each day (missed fast)
If she cannot remember how many days she has to fast, she should proceed on the basis of what she thinks is the most likely, and fast the days that she thinks she missed during Ramadan, and that will be sufficient, because Allah (SubhanAllah Talla) says;
So keep your duty to Allah and fear Him as much as you can
(Qs. Al-Taghaabun ayat 16)
Source: Majmoo al Fataawa Ibn Baaz 15/184.
As Ramadan draws near, let us take this opportunity to reflect on our obligations and ensure we fulfill them with sincerity and dedication. If you or someone you know has missed fasts from previous years, now is the perfect time to make them up before the arrival of another Ramadan. The beauty of our faith lies in knowledge and action—when we learn something new, it becomes our responsibility to act upon it and share it with others.
Many of us may have been unaware of this ruling in the past, but now that we know, let’s take the necessary steps to rectify it. Making up missed fasts is not just about obligation; it’s about strengthening our connection with Allah and seeking His mercy. If the days feel overwhelming, remember that every effort made for His sake is rewarded abundantly.
Let us also use this time to educate and support one another. Share this knowledge with your family, friends, and sisters in faith so that no one enters Ramadan carrying missed obligations unknowingly. May Allah grant us the strength to worship Him wholeheartedly, forgive our shortcomings, and bless us with a Ramadan full of barakah and spiritual growth.
May He accept our fasts, our prayers, and our sincere intentions. Ameen.