Hasten To Make Up For The Missed Days of Fasting Before The Advent of Ramadan

10-8-2009 | IslamWeb

Question:

I missed one day of fasting last Ramadhaan, and I have not made up for it yet. Now, there are only fourteen days before the advent of Ramadhaan, and I want to know whether I am required to offer expiation in addition to making up for this day or not.
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His Slave and Messenger.

You must make up for the days of fasting that you missed last Ramadan during the remaining days of Sha‘baan, (i.e., before the advent of the next Ramadan). In such a case, you are not required to offer an expiation, as ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her sometimes made up for the missed days of Ramadan during Sha‘baan. She may Allaah be pleased with her said in a Hadeeth that was narrated on the authority of Abu Salamah may Allaah be pleased with him “Sometimes I could not make up for the days of fasting that I missed in Ramadan except in the month of Sha‘baan.” Yahya, a sub-narrator of this Hadeeth, said, “She would be busy serving the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).” [Al-Bukhari]

The Hadeeth which forbids fasting during the second half of Sha‘baan, if considered authentic, does not apply to making up for the missed days of Ramadan.

Allaah Knows best.

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