Question:
Asalaamu ‘alaikum,
It is understood that when a woman misses her fast in Ramadhan (specifically due to her menses or pregnancy), it is supposed to be made up.
Does she have to make up for her missed Ramadhan fasts before she can fast the 6 days for Shawwal?
Is it that a woman has a year between Ramadhan months to complete these fasts? Is it possible for a woman who has neglected to do so in the past, that she can make up her missed fasts from previous years or is it that the time has already passed for these fasts to be made up?
Is fasting on a Friday permissible when making up Ramadhan fasts?
Jazak Allah khair for your time and in shaa Allah for your response.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Radhiallahu Anhu) relates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadhan, then follows it with six days from Shawwal, it is like they fasted the entire year.” (Sahih Muslim)
Based on this and other Ahadith, the Fuqaha (scholars), state that it is recommended to fast six days of the month of Shawwal.
As for combining two intentions, i.e. Qadha (making-up) of missed Ramadhan fast and the six fasts of Shawwal, it is without doubt better to make-up for the missed Ramadhan fasts first and then observe the six fasts of Shawwal, in order to obtain maximum rewards and the specific reward of fasting the entire year. However, one may combine make-up fasts with the six fasts of Shawwal provided the principle intention (niyyah) is of Qadha fasts, and just as a secondary intention have in one’s mind the fasts of Shawwal. It is hoped from the mercy of Allah that along with the missed fasts being made-up, one will receive the reward of fasting in Shawwal.
The Qadha fasts of Ramadhan must be given preference. A woman can make up for her missed Ramadhan fasts during the course of the year, however she should not unnecessarily delay the Qadha of the missed fasts. Qadha from Ramadhan of passed years will still remain compulsory on one, and all missed fasts must be made up as soon as possible.
It is permissible to do Qadha (make up fasts) on a Friday.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Arshad Ali
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)
