Skh Faleel (Naleemi)
Those who missed a day of fasting or more for valid excuses :
One group of fasting-exempt people consists of those who miss fasting days in Ramadan for valid reasons, most commonly sickness, travel,menstruation, post delivery bleeding .These are people who must fast days after Ramadan in place of the ones they missed (Qaza) during Ramadan.
The second group of fasting-exempt people consists of those who miss fasting days in Ramadan for valid excuses, most commonly infirmity due to old age or chronic illness that prevents one from fasting.These people are obligated to pay a redemption fee (Fidya) for a poor for every fasting missed.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers ; making up the missed fasts (Qaza) or paying a redemption fee (Fidya )
Basically, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should fast in the days of Ramadan. But ,if she feels weak physically she has the permission to leave fasts with a consent of a Doctor . It is said that she should make up the missed fasts in other days.
There are three different legal opinions among scholars on how a pregnant or a breastfeeding mother should deal with her fast.
First opinion : They should pay a redemption fee (Fidya) in addition to performing the missed fasts (Qaza )
Second opinion : Performing the missed fasts is only upon her.This is the opinion of majority of scholars .
Third opinion : Paying a redemption fee (Fidya) is only enough. This is the opinion of Scholars like Ibnu Abbas (Rali) ,Ibnu Umar (Rali) , Sa’ad ibnu Jubair (Rali).
It is suitable for mothers who give birth every year to go with the opinion of pay redemption fee only (Fidya).The one who is pregnant this year will be a breast feeding mother the next year will face a difficulty in performing the missed fasts (Qaza).It’s enough for mothers like this to go with the option of paying the redemption fee only (Fidya).But if she has time and physical strength making up the missed fasts will be the most suitable opinion for her. For example if she faces difficulties like continuous vomit in the beginning of her pregnancy she will not be able to fast.
As far as some pregnant mothers will be able to fast after two or three months from her pregnancy.Or Six months after child birth the mother will be able to feed the child with other foods in addition to breast milk the mother will be able to fast. Here fasting is the best option.
How to pay the redemption fee (Fidya)
It is suitable to pay the redemption fee as mentioned is the quran as (The food of the poor) without only limiting it to Rice.It’s welcomed to give the redemption fee which will enough for a full meal including the curries as well. Sometimes there may be difficulties in giving food without cooking. So cooked food can also be given.Or food can also be fed by inviting them to the houses. Anas (Rali) while he was not able to fast due to old age he has invited the need to his house and fed them.
One can give cooked food from shops as parcels. For example if he/she has to pay redemption for 20 fasts he/she can feed 20 needy people.
If he/she is unable to pay redemption fee (Fidya) due to poverty a relative of him/her or else a Rich can pay the redemption fee on behalf of him or her.
May Allah accept all our fasts and other good deeds during this Ramadan and forgive us make us to enter the paradise of Rayyan!
