Praise be to Allah.
It is not permissible to delay making up missed fasts from Ramadan until the arrival of the next Ramadan without a valid excuse. Doing so without a legitimate reason is considered neglectful, and one must repent for it. Additionally, the delayed fasts must be made up as soon as possible, and some scholars require an additional expiation (feeding a poor person for each missed day).
Evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah:
- Allah says:“…But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number [should be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
This verse outlines that missed fasts must be made up as soon as the valid excuse, such as illness or travel, is no longer applicable.
- Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported:“I used to have missed fasts from Ramadan, and I could not make them up except in Sha’ban (the month before Ramadan) because of being busy with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1950; Sahih Muslim, 1146)
This hadith shows the importance of making up fasts before the arrival of the next Ramadan, even if one has a valid reason for the delay.
Practical Steps to Avoid Delaying Fasts:
- Prioritize making up missed fasts as soon as possible after Ramadan.
- Plan for any valid interruptions (e.g., illness or pregnancy) and complete the fasts before the next Ramadan.
- Repent sincerely if the delay was unjustified and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
Neglecting this obligation is a serious matter, as fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and a significant act of worship.
