Missed Fasts
Wa Alaikum Assalam Below is the Islamic answer in clear and simple terms. 1. Is it obligatory to fast consecutively to make up missed fasts? No. Absolutely not. For missed (qada) fasts, fasting consecutively is not a condition. A person may: Fast one day Skip a day Fast according to their ease and ability Qur’anic evidence: “And whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184) This verse establishes the principle of making up the number, not continuity. 2. Is there any concession due to exams, mental pressure, and menstruation? Yes, there is valid concession. Fasting during menstruation is haram, so those days are automatically excluded If continuous fasting causes harm or severe difficulty during important exams, it is permissible to space out the fasts Islam does not intend hardship Prophetic principle: “The religion is ease.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) 3. Is it sinful not to complete missed fasts before the next Ramadan? There is a difference of scholarly opinion. First opinion (majority of scholars): Delaying without a valid excuse is sinful Repentance is required The missed fasts must still be completed Second opinion (held by some scholars such as Imam al-Shawkani): It is not sinful The obligation remains to make up the fasts Because there is no explicit punishment mentioned in the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah Stronger view: Unnecessary delay is not correct However, Allah is Most Merciful Sincere repentance is sufficient 4. Is feeding the poor (fidya) required? The majority of scholars say feeding one poor person for each delayed fast is required Another strong opinion is that only making up the fasts is obligatory, because there is no authentic, explicit hadith mandating fidya If one has the means, feeding the poor is recommended as a precaution, but not strictly obligatory. Summary Consecutive fasting is not obligatory Fasting one day and skipping one day is permissible Concessions exist for menstruation, exams, and mental strain Delaying without excuse is discouraged, but repentance is accepted Allah does not intend hardship in religion Qur’anic principle: “Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185) May Allah grant ease and acceptance.