What is the ruling on one who has not made up the days of Ramadan she owed for years, does not remember their number, and now works in a country with a hot climate, and wishes to pay a financial fidyah for each day she did not fast, so that this money goes to her needy family (mother, two sisters, and an unmarried young brother), knowing that she is responsible for their sustenance and her salary is low?

The remaining days of Ramadan fasting must be made up (qada') if one is able to do so. The heat of the weather does not justify abandoning the make-up fasting and resorting to expiation (kaffarah) only. One can fast gradually. If the make-up fasting is delayed until the next Ramadan due to forgetfulness or ignorance, there is no expiation. However, if it is delayed knowingly, then expiation is required along with the make-up fasting, which is 750 grams of the staple food of the country, given to the poor. The maintenance (nafaqah) of a poor mother is obligatory, as is that of poor sisters and a poor brother according to some scholars. It is not permissible to give the expiation to them if their maintenance is already obligatory upon you.