Can I Join My Intentions for Expiation and Fulfilling a Vow in the Same Fasts?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salam alaykum,

During my teens, I missed 6 fasts intentionally. I understand that I need to make up these fasts and also fast for 60 consecutive days. More recently, I was faced with some difficulties, I turned to God for help and I vowed to keep 60 fasts once the test had past. Would it be permissible to keep 60 fasts with the two different intentions (i.e. to make up fasts and fulfil vow) or would it be best to make them up separately?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

If you missed Ramadan fasts, such that you did not intend to fast on days when you should have been fasting, you need only to repent for your mistake, and perform a makeup (qada’) of those missed days. An expiation (kaffara) is not due. [Tahtawi, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

However, you would need to perform sixty days of fasting for the vow you recently made as Allah Most High says, “Fulfil any pledge you make in God’s name and do not break oaths after you have sworn them, for you have made God your surety: God knows everything you do.” [16.91]

Please also see: Fulfilling a Religious Vow (Nadhr) To Do a Desired Task and: Can I Delay a Vow to Fast Consecutive Days?

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani