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2025-02-04

Intention and Guidelines for Making Up Missed Ramadan Fasts: What Every Muslim Should Know

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim. However, in certain situations—such as illness, long-distance travel, or menstruation—one is permitted to break the fast. In such cases, it is mandatory to make up for the missed fasts on other days, a practice known as qadha fasting or making up Ramadan fasts.

 

Allah SWT emphasizes this obligation in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 184:

 

اَيَّامًا مَّعْدُوْدٰتٍۗ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَّرِيْضًا اَوْ عَلٰى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ اَيَّامٍ اُخَرَۗ وَعَلَى الَّذِيْنَ يُطِيْقُوْنَهٗ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِيْنٍۗ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهٗۗ وَاَنْ تَصُوْمُوْا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ

 

"Fasting is for a limited number of days. But if any of you is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of days must be made up later. And for those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, a compensation can be made by feeding a needy person. Yet, whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. But to fast is better for you, if only you knew." (Al-Baqarah: 184)

 

This verse highlights that those unable to fast due to valid reasons are required to make up for the missed fasts on other days. In some cases, they may compensate by paying fidyah (a charitable food donation).

 

The Intention (Niyyah) for Making Up Missed Ramadan Fasts

 

Having the right intention (niyyah) is a fundamental requirement for fasting. According to a hadith reported by Abu Dawood (No. 2454) and authenticated by Al-Albani (Irwa’ Al-Ghalil, No. 914):

 

"Whoever does not make the intention to fast before dawn, their fast is not valid."

 

This means that the intention for qadha fasting must be made before dawn (Fajr). The niyyah for making up a missed Ramadan fast is as follows:

 

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ قَضَاءِ فَرْضِ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

 

Nawaitu shauma ghadin 'an qadaa'i fardhi syahri Ramadhana lillahi ta'ala.

 

"I intend to fast tomorrow as a makeup fast for Ramadan, for the sake of Allah Ta'ala."

 

While this intention does not need to be spoken aloud, it must be firmly set in the heart.

 

How to Perform Qadha (Make-Up) Fasts for Ramadan

 

The method of performing qadha fasting is similar to regular Ramadan fasting. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Make the Intention Before Dawn (Fajr). The niyyah should be made the night before or at least before Fajr.
  2. Eat Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal). Though not obligatory, it is highly recommended based on the hadith: "Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is a blessing." (Bukhari & Muslim)
  3. Refrain from Actions That Break the Fast. From dawn to sunset, abstain from eating, drinking, and marital relations, just as in Ramadan.
  4. Break the Fast at Sunset (Maghrib). It is encouraged to break the fast as soon as the sun sets, following the Prophet’s guidance: "The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break their fast." (Bukhari & Muslim)
  5. Engage in Sunnah Acts. Increase acts of worship such as reciting the Quran, making dhikr, and giving charity to gain additional rewards.
 

Fidyah: Compensation for Missed Fasts

 

For those unable to make up their missed fasts due to chronic illness or old age, Islam provides an alternative—paying fidyah.

 

How to Pay Fidyah (Charitable Compensation). According to Baznas, fidyah must be given as food assistance to the needy:

  • Form of Payment:
    • Fidyah must be paid in food, not money.
    • Each missed fasting day requires feeding one needy person.
  • Amount of Fidyah:
    • Equivalent to 5 kg of staple food (such as rice) per missed fasting day.
    • The food amount should be in line with local dietary norms.
  • Time of Payment:
    • Fidyah can be paid daily, all at once, or anytime before the next Ramadan.

 

To facilitate this, organizations like Baitulmaal Muamalat offer online fidyah payment services, ensuring your contributions reach those in need in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

 

Don’t Delay! Make Up Your Missed Fasts Now

 

Making up for missed Ramadan fasts (qadha fasting) is an obligation for every Muslim who could not fast due to valid reasons. To ensure its validity:

  • Make the intention (niyyah) before dawn.
  • Follow the correct fasting guidelines, just like in Ramadan.
  • If unable to fast due to health reasons, pay fidyah as required.
 
By fulfilling this obligation, you can enter the next Ramadan with a clear conscience and spiritual peace. May Allah grant us the strength to observe our religious duties faithfully. Ameen.

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