Qadha fasting is often considered trivial, so we delay it for too long and even forget about it. Qadha fasting is obligatory fasting to make up for missed Ramadan fasts due to valid reasons such as menstruation, post-natal bleeding, illness, and travelling, by fasting at another time outside of Ramadan.
We always think we have plenty of time until Ramadan comes around again. So, is it permissible to delay qadha fasting? Is there a time limit? Lutvia, a lecturer in the Communication Studies programme at UII, said that it is permissible to delay fasting as long as it is within the time frame before the next Ramadan arrives.
“You are allowed to delay your makeup fast as long as you complete them before the next Ramadan arrives. Especially if you have valid reasons like being sick, pregnant, breastfeeding, or physically struggling,” said Lutviah.
Islam is a religion that provides ease, not hardship. In certain conditions and with valid reasons such as pregnancy, illness, and breastfeeding, it is impossible to force someone to fast, or for reasons that threaten their health. However, if someone deliberately delays without a valid reason until the next Ramadan arrives, they are still required to make up their fast or pay fidyah by feeding people in need.
“If someone intentionally delays without a valid excuse until the next Ramadan comes, most scholars say they still have to make up the fast and also pay fidyah, which means feeding a person in need,” she added.
However, delaying too long is not the right choice. It should be noted that making up for fasting is not a punishment, but an opportunity from Allah for His people to complete their missed worship.
One simple tip is to set a reminder on your mobile phone or invite friends to fast together to boost your enthusiasm. “So don’t wait for the perfect mood. The sooner you start, the lighter your heart will feel. And if you know a friend who keeps saying, “I’ll do it later,” maybe send this to them,” she concluded.
