What are missed fasts in Islam and who has to make them up?

Missed fasts refer to the fasts that someone may have missed during the holy month of Ramadan.

Here, we explore the key reasons some people may miss their fasts and outline who is required to make them up.

Reasons people miss fasts in Islam 

There are many legitimate reasons for missing a fast. Islam recognises that there are situations where fasting could harm a person’s health or wellbeing, and provides allowances accordingly. 

Here are a few common reasons people may miss their fasts:

1. Sickness

If you have a temporary illness with a hope of recovery, you must make up the fasts that you missed during Ramadan once you are able to.

However, if your sickness is permanent, there is no hope of recovery, and you are exempt from fasting, then you may meet the requirements of paying fidya in place of making up for missed fasts.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person [for every day not fasted]. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.

[Qur’an | Surah Al-Baqarah | 2:184]

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “This refers to old men and old women who are not able to fast, so they should feed a poor person each day.” [Hadith | Al-Bukhari, 4505]

2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, only if necessary

Pegnant and breasfeeding women should fast during the month of Ramadan, unless they believe it will harm their health or their baby’s health. 

However, once a woman is able to, she must make up for the fasts she missed during Ramadan (qada), before the commencement of the next.

3. Menstruation 

Women who are menstruating or in a state of postpartum bleeding are exempt from fasting.

This is an example of God’s mercy because women who are menstruating or who very recently given birthwould benefit from rest and the ability to eat and drink during the day. 

Once the bleeding comes to a stop, a woman must perform ghusl (have a bath) and fast the remainder of the days of Ramadan.

She should then make up the fasts she missed before the start of the next Ramadan.

4. Travelling

In Islamic fiqh, a traveller is defined as someone who both:

• Travels to a place at least 48 miles/77km from their home
• Stays there for less than 15 days

Travellers are excused from fasting during the trip.

It was narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

Allah has relieved the traveler of fasting and half of prayer.

[Hadith | Ibn Majah]

Therefore, someone who is travelling is exempt from fasting during Ramadan, but they must make up these fasts once they are able to.

5. Intentionally

In a moment of weakness, some people may break their fast intentionally and without a valid reason.

If you are not exempt from fasting, this is a grave sin, and you must atone by repenting to Allah and fasting for 60 continuous days if you deliberately break a fast without a valid reason.

If fasting continuously is not possible, you have the option of paying kaffarah for the intentionally broken fast, feeding 60 poor people at a rate of £5 per person (the cost of an average meal in the UK). 

This is a different kind of payment to fidya (which is for fasts which are missed out of necessity).

How to make up missed fasts

For those who are able to, making up missed fasts is an obligatory act upon us.

Each missed fast should begin with a clear niyyah (intention) and must be completed before the next Ramadan begins if you are able to. It’s best to make up for missed fasts as soon as possible.

Find out more about how to make up for missed fast here.

Fulfilling our obligations

As we fulfill this obligatory duty, it’s important to remember that Allah is the most merciful.

When making up for our missed fasts, we should remember why we fast during the holy month of Ramadan and beyond, and fill our days with worship and prayer for Allah (SWT).

At Islamic Relief, we are here to support you in fulfilling your obligations. If you are unable to make up for your missed fasts due to health issues or other difficulties you could consider offering fidya to help those in need.

Donate your fidya or kaffarah now to support those in need while fulfilling your religious obligations.