What is incumbent upon one who is unable to fast Ramadan due to a chronic illness, and also has missed days from previous Ramadans that he did not make up due to procrastination or circumstances: does he have to pay expiation for them? Is he sinful for not making them up in their respective years? Will he be written the reward of one who fasted, based on the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: "If a servant falls ill or travels, he is written the like of what he used to do when he was resident and healthy"? And will he be rewarded for his intention if he would have fasted had he been able?

It is forbidden to delay making up for missed Ramadan (definition) fasts until the next Ramadan arrives without a valid excuse. Whoever does so intentionally is sinful and must make up the fasts along with offering expiation by feeding one poor person for each day. If the delay was due to an excuse, then only making up the fasts is required. And whoever is unable to make up the fasts without an excuse must offer two redemptions (fidyah (definition)) for each day (one for not fasting, and one for the delay), unless they were unaware of the prohibition, in which case the expiation for delay is not binding on them. Whoever intends to perform an act of obedience but is unable to do so, its reward will be written for them.