Sawm of a patient with intestinal complaints

Q: I suffer from a gastric ulcer and I underwent five surgeries. I remained in hospital for a long time as I had been suffering severe ill health. During this period of time, the month of Ramadan came, and I was unable to fast during the current Ramadan nor make up for the missed fasts of last Ramadan. What should I do?

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned that you were unable to fast due to suffering severe ill health and that you still can not fast as per the doctor's instructions, there will be no blame on you. (Part No. 10; Page No. 189) You are obliged not to observe Sawm (fast) due to the necessity of receiving treatment for your disease. When Allah cures you, and you have the ability to fast, you have to make up for the missed fasts, whether they are a few days or one month, as Allah (Exalted be He) says, The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’ân, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, 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. Allâh intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. On the other hand, if the suffering lasts or if after recovery you are still unable to make up the missed fasts due to your weakness, you have to feed a poor person for each day you missed. Each person should be given half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of wheat, rice, dates or other such foodstuffs of the average meal that you feed your family.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.