Making up missed fasts
Fasts missed in Ramadan because of illness, travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation or bleeding after childbirth are made up later, one day for each day missed. The days do not have to be in a row, and you can choose days that are easier for you, such as weekends or Mondays and Thursdays.
- Fasting is not allowed on Eid al-Fitr, on Eid al-Adha and on the three days after it (11, 12 and 13 Dhu al-Hijjah).
- Try to finish before the next Ramadan. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, used to make up her fasts in Sha‘ban.
- Most scholars say that a person who delays the make-up past the next Ramadan without an excuse should also feed one poor person for each day; the Hanafi school requires only the make-up.
Fidya instead of fasting
Someone who cannot fast at all and is not expected to be able to, such as an elderly person or someone with a lasting illness, feeds one poor person for each day instead of fasting. Ask a scholar or your local fatwa office about the amount where you live.
Worked example
10 days missed, 2 already made up, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays from 4 October 2026
8 days are left. Fasting two days a week, the last make-up fast falls on 29 October 2026, well before Ramadan 1448, which is expected around 8 February 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Do the make-up days have to be in a row?
No. You can spread them out over the year, on any days when fasting is allowed.
Can I make up fasts on Fridays or Saturdays?
Yes. Making up obligatory fasts is allowed on any day except the days of Eid and the three days after Eid al-Adha.
What if I don’t remember exactly how many days I missed?
Many scholars advise taking the higher estimate to be sure the obligation is complete.
Can I combine a make-up fast with a voluntary fast?
Many scholars allow the intention of making up a missed fast on a day such as Monday or the day of Arafah, and hope for the reward of both. Ask a scholar you trust about your case.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This planner helps you organise your make-up fasts and is not a fatwa. Ramadan and Eid dates use the Umm al-Qura calendar and may differ by a day from the announced sighting.
This page was translated from Arabic. If something is unclear or wrong, please tell us.