Making up for the days of Sawm missed by a patient

Q: I underwent an operation in Ramadan, and I stayed in hospital till the end of the month. How can I make up for the days of the month that I could not fast? And, if I can not make up for the Sawm (fast) till next Ramadan, how can I make up for it in both cases?

A: It is permissible for you not to fast in Ramadan if you have an illness that makes Sawm difficult or impossible for you. Then, you can compensate for the days of Sawm that you missed whenever possible, even if another Ramadan passes, because you have an excuse for delaying this compensation. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. And, Allah (Glorified be He) also says: ...and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. (Part No. 9; Page No. 86) However, if the compensation for the missed Sawm is delayed till the following Ramadan without a valid excuse, you have to repent to Allah (Exalted be He), and make up for the days that you did not observe Sawm and feed one Miskin (needy) for every day as Kaffarah (expiation), which is half a Sa` (1 Sa` = 3 kg. Approx.) from the staple food of the country, which is equal to one and a half kilos to be given even to one person only.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.