How Should I Go On About Performing Expiation and Makeup Fasts?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
How should I go about performing expiation and make-up fasts for intentionally breaking fasts in Ramadan, missing fasts in Ramadan, and delaying making up fasts due to menstruation in Ramadan?
I need guidance on the best way to rectify my sins regarding missing Ramadan fasts.
From 2014-2017, unfortunately, I am certain some Ramadan fasts had been broken intentionally by inhaling/smoking drugs and/or by eating/drinking. There were many or some days from that time where I did not make the intention to fast also.
From 2006-2013, there were some days I broke my fast from masturbation. I cannot recall the exact days or if I made up for them either, and it’s the same for the fasts I missed due to menstruation since 2006. Ramadan 2023 was missed due to pregnancy.
If I need to do one kaffara of 60 days, does that count at all toward any of the missed fasts, such as the ones missed due to pregnancy/menstruation?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question and seeking guidance and Islamic answers. Allah Most High make you stronger in the din and steadfast in it, amin.
2014 -2017 Fasts
The fasts that were broken intentionally by smoking drugs or by eating/drinking throughout this period, one set of expiatory fasts of 60 days will suffice, and not for each year.
As for the fasts that you didn’t keep during this period, you will estimate the days you did not fast for multiple Ramadans and make up the fasts.
[Tahtawi, Hashiya al-Tahtawi ’ala Maraqi ‘l-Falah]
2006-2013 and 2023
Masturbation only necessitates makeup (qada) but does not necessitate expiation. You will estimate how many fasts you broke due to masturbation and make them up. Also, you will make up the fast missed during pregnancy in 2023.
Summary
Due to your multiple breaking fasts of multiple Ramadans, you must calculate, with reasonable surety, the number of days you did not fast and make them up. After that, you must fast for sixty consecutive days, timing it so that no prohibited days fall within that time. This will suffice you in your obligation to rectify your situation.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.
Related Answers
- Fasting: A Comprehensive SeekersGuidance Reader – SeekersGuidance
- A Ramadan Reader: A Comprehensive Answers Guide to Getting the Most Out of Ramadan – SeekersGuidance
- The Ramadan Reader: A Guide to Fasting, Prayer, Qur’an, and Spirituality in the Month of Ramadan – SeekersGuidance
- Istikhara, The Prayer of Seeking Guidance: The Ultimate Guide – A Reader – SeekersGuidance
- How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (salat al-haja)? – SeekersGuidance
- Prayer of Repentance: Salat al-Tawba – SeekersGuidance
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
