How can we respond to women who are unable to make up for missed fasts from a previous Ramadan due to an excuse, while they intend to fast the current Ramadan, and what is the appropriate fatwa for them?
The pregnant and breastfeeding women: We have clarified what is incumbent upon them in Fatwa no. 92849. A sick person whose recovery is hoped for is permitted to break their fast but must make up for it (qada'). If they are able to make up for it, even during short days, it is incumbent upon them, and they are not permitted to resort to expiation (fidyah). Please refer to Fatwa no. 118477. Whoever is able to fast Ramadan, despite its consecutive and long days, cannot be unable to perform qada', which is required intermittently and may be delayed until the short winter days. So, whoever claims inability to perform qada' while being able to fast Ramadan should remember Allah Almighty and the seriousness of neglecting Allah's command. These days are a debt upon her that cannot be discharged except by making them up. If she is able to perform qada', her claim of inability will not benefit her; rather, it stems from laziness. It is incumbent upon every Muslim to fear Allah and fulfill their obligations. If she is unable to perform qada' in a year for some reason, she should delay the qada', and there is no sin upon her for that. When she becomes able to do so, it becomes incumbent upon her to perform it, as long as this excuse is one whose removal is hoped for.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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