A woman's father prevented her from fasting in Ramadan saying that she was still young but she was pubescent

Q: Is it obligatory on me to make up for the missed days of fasting in Ramadan, especially as I did not know that it is obligatory to make up for them? This occurred at a time when I was helping my family with many chores outside the house. For this reason, my father used to tell me not to fast because I was young. Now I doubt that there are some days of fasting which I missed. Must I make up for them consecutively? Must I give food to the poor in compensation? How can I do this, and from what kind of food?


A: Whoever is alive during Ramadan and is eligible to fast must fast except if he has a Shar`y (Islamically lawful) excuse, such as traveling or illness during which it is difficult to fast. If the case is as you mentioned that you were eligible to fast, then it is obligatory for you to make up for the days you did not fast and make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah). It is not necessary to make up for the missed fast days consecutively, but it is better than making them up separately. You are to make Kaffarah (expiation) for each missed day of fast that you have delayed until the following Ramadan by feeding a Miskin (a needy person) half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of rice, wheat, or the like of the staple food of the country.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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