Q:
I suffer from Colitis,
thus I am unable to refrain from eating or drinking for more than two hours. Since the beginning of my illness in 1390 A.H., I have not been able to fast Ramadan. Each year I ask Allah to grant me the ability to observe Sawm (Fast). I have been to many countries searching for medical treatment, but healing is only in the hands of Allah. I fear dying without fasting this missed period, so I ask your Eminence (Part No. 10; Page No. 194) if there is an expiation to be offered. Kindly, give me your Fatwa or refer my question to those concerned. May Allah guide you to success.
A:
If the state is as you have described, that you have been suffering from this disease for so long and are unable to fast, then it is permissible for you to feed a poor person for each missed day during these years with half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of wheat, dates, rice, corn, or the like from the average kind of food you feed your family with.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.