In the Name of Allāh.
With Allāh’s Will, this year’s Ramaḍān is some 100+ days away—it’s approaching quickly! Indeed, certain individuals are excused from fasting during Ramaḍān due to valid reasons, such as advanced age, being a traveler, or severe illness. However, depending on their specific circumstances, some of these individuals may need to make up the missed fasts.
Allāh says: “Observing Sawm (fasts)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty (e.g., an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2): 184]
Therefore, anyone who has missed fasts from the previous Ramaḍān should strive to make them up before the holy month arrives again. This is not only better and safer but also keeps us free from debt. Let us not procrastinate, as time swiftly passes us by like grains of sand in the wind.
Importantly, one of the purposes of the pillars of Islām is to instill Taqwā (piety and awareness of Allah) in us. Allāh says regarding Sawm (Fasting): “O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqūn (the pious and righteous persons who fear Allāh much [by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which are forbidden) and love Him much [by performing all kinds of good deeds which are ordained]).” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2): 183]
Verily! Fasting is a training activity that helps us obtain Taqwā by purifying our hearts and souls, helping us to lower our gaze, and protecting our limbs. Besides Ramaḍān, it is also commendable and rewarding to observe voluntary fasts, such as those on the white days (Ayyam al-Beed) or Mondays and Thursdays, etc.
I beseech Allāh to bless us with good health and strong faith, enabling us to witness this year’s Ramaḍān and many more to come. Aameen.
Picture Credit: Freepik
