My wife suffered from an illness

Q: My mother fell ill during Ramadan and could not observe Sawm (Fasting) for eight days of the month. She died three months after Ramadan. Should I fast these eight days on her behalf? Can I delay fasting them until after Ramadan of next year, or can I instead pay Sadaqah (voluntary charity) on her behalf?

(Part No. 10; Page No. 373) A: If your mother recovered after the month of Ramadan in which she missed the eight days and did not make up for the days she missed, even though there was enough time for her to do so before she died, it is Mustahab (desirable) for you or one of her other relatives to fast these eight days on her behalf, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Anyone who dies owing fasts, their heir must fast on their behalf.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) It is permissible to delay fasting the missed days, but it is better to hasten and fast them if one is able to do so. However, if her illness continued until she died and she was not able to make up for the missed fasts, you are not required to make up for them either, due to her inability to do so and the general meaning of the Words of Allah (which mean): Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. And So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.