The Kaffarah (expiation) of delaying

Q: Several years ago, when I was twelve years old, I began to experience menstruation. I got my first period during Ramadan. At this age, (Part No. 10; Page No. 367) my mother prevented me from observing Sawm (Fasting) because I was young. Ramadan ended and I did not fast at all. Should I make up for this month and offer Kaffarah (expiation), taking into consideration that this happened a long time ago?

A: This girl should make up for the days that she did not fast after starting to menstruate in Ramadan as she had reached the age of puberty. She should also offer Kaffarah for delaying making up for these days until the next Ramadan had started. This Kaffarah is to feed a needy person half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of wheat, rice, or the like of the staple food of the location where a person lives for each day that she did not fast.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.