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Missing fasts deliberately

Q:

As Salamu Alaikum
I’m a born Muslim. But it’s a matter of shame for me that I didn’t perform my religious duties earlier. I’ve committed countless sins that I can’t even describe. But it is His glory that I’ve refrained myself from committing the biggest crime which is Zina. But I’ve done some extreme things that I shouldn’t have done. Now I want to change and repent. I want to perform the Salats that I missed for nearly 15 years. I’ve even calculated the timing as well. But I am confused about the Ramadan fasting. I’ve watched many youtube videos regarding it. But clearly there’s a dispute of choice and option. So what’s the rule for the deliberately missing fasts? Can’t I keep them by calculating the past years? Or can I?

A:

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. You can calculate your past fasts and then make up what you are sure you have intentionally missed.

The following rulings are relevant for how you should make up for each fast:

Ruling 1628. If someone invalidates a fast of the month of Ramadan by eating, drinking, having sexual intercourse, masturbating, or remaining in the state of janābah until the time of ṣubḥ prayers, in the event that he did one of these things intentionally and voluntarily – and he was not compelled and forced to – then as well as qaḍāʾ, kafarah also becomes obligatory on him [i.e. he must keep a fast after Ramadan and also give recompense]. As for someone who invalidates a fast by means other than those mentioned, the recommended precaution is that
in addition to qaḍāʾ, he should also give kafarah.

Ruling 1630. The kafarah for breaking a fast (ifṭār) unlawfully in the month of Ramadan is that the person must free a slave, or fast for two months in accordance with the instructions that will be
mentioned in the next ruling, or feed sixty poor people or give each one of them a mudd – which is approximately 750 grams – of food, i.e. wheat, barley, bread, or suchlike. In the event that none of these are possible for the person, he must give charity to the extent that he can. If this is not possible either, he must seek forgiveness from
Allah; and the obligatory precaution is that he must give kafarah whenever he is able to.

May you always be successful

Regards
ZoheirAli.