Making Up Missed Fasts
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 1950
Narrated Aisha: “Sometimes I missed some days of Ramadan, but could not fast in lieu of them except in the month of Sha’ban.” Said Yahya, a sub-narrator: “She used to be busy serving the Prophet (ﷺ).”
What We Learn from This Hadith Today:
- It is allowed to delay making up missed Ramadan fasts — even until the next Sha’ban (almost a year later), as long as it’s done before the next Ramadan.
- Women (or anyone) who miss fasting due to valid reasons — like menstruation, illness, or essential duties — are not sinful.
- Even the Mother of Believers, Aisha (RA), had valid delays in making up her fasts. Islam is practical and considers your responsibilities.
- Serving others in important duties can also be a valid reason for delay, especially when paired with religious obligation.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 2:184
“(Fasting for) a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of days are (to be made up) later.”
→ Allah permits fasting on other days if you miss during Ramadan due to valid excuses.
📖Quran 2:185
“…Whoever is ill or on a journey, then let them fast an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…”
→ The goal is not to punish, but to encourage sincerity in worship within your capacity.