The Qadaa of Fasting

Q. What are the conditions in which qadaa for fasts becomes waajib?

A. (1) If fard or waajib mu’ayyan fasts were not kept without an excuse. (2) Some fasts were missed due to some excuse. (3) Fast was kept but broken, whether with or without excuse. In these cases, it becomes fard to do qadaa (makeup) of these fasts.

Q. When should the qadaa of fasts be done?

A. It is better to do it as soon as possible. Delaying without an excuse is discouraged.

Q. Is it necessary to keep qadaa fasts continuously, without any break?

A. They can be kept either continuously or with intervals. Both ways are allowed.

Q. What to do if another Ramadaan month comes and the qadaa of the last Ramadaan is still due?

A. Keep the fasts of the current Ramadaan first, and after Ramadaan, observe the makeup for the previous fasts.

Q. What if one keeps and breaks a nafl fast?

A. Its qadaa will be necessary because nafl fasts or prayers, once begun, become waajib and must be completed.

Q. What to do if one has no strength to keep qadaa fasts?

A. One can give fidyah if too old or too ill to fast, with no hope of regaining strength.

Q. What is the fidyah for fasting?

A. To give 3½ lbs. wheat, or 7 lbs. barley, or the price of these, or an equivalent quantity of another foodgrain (rice, corn, etc.). The same quantity applies for each fard or waajib prayer if needed.

Q. Is it allowed for any other person to keep fasts for a deceased person?

A. No. The responsibility remains with the deceased, but successors can give fidyah on their behalf.