Dubai: Women who are unable to fast in Ramadan due to pregnancy or menstruation, must make up for the days missed by fasting later — and not by a payment in lieu.
According to a guidance issued by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE) in Abu Dhabi, for those who are unable to fast during Ramadan for legitimate reasons, such as pregnancy or menstruation, it is not permissible to make a payment instead of fasting later to make up for the days lost.
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Women have to make up the fasting days lost as soon as they are able to, says the fatwa, the most recent in a series aimed at helping Muslims find answers to their questions about fasting.
The fatwa added that the fasting in lieu can be done over a long period of time and women are allowed to choose a cooler season during which they can fast with ease.
Quoting the scriptures, the GAIAE said: "Allah said, ‘and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days'."
It is recommended to hasten making up the fast for whoever broke his/her fast in Ramadan, it added.
The scholar, Al Mawaq said in Al Taj Wa Al Iklil ‘Ala Mukhtasir Al Shaikh Khalil': "It is recommended to make up for the Ramadan fast immediately after regaining health or arrival from a journey. Hastening the fulfilment of an obligation is better than delaying. Moreover, it is better to be absolved of an obligation quickly."
It is obligatory to make up for the missed fasting days as soon as possible. Paying in lieu is not permissible.
