Do I have to make up fasts missed during my period?
Question · One of the most asked questions about Ramadan
My period came for six days this Ramadan, so I did not fast those days. Do I really have to fast them again later, or are they simply forgiven because it was not my choice?
Short answer
Yes, you make up the fasts you missed during your period, one day for each day, at any time before the next Ramadan. There is no sin and no extra payment.
Detailed answer
Yes. A woman who does not fast during her period in Ramadan makes up those days later, one day for each day missed. Not fasting during menstruation is not a sin at all; it is a rule from Allah. But the fast itself is still owed, so it is completed on other days.
What the Quran and Sunnah say
The Quran sets the general rule for anyone with a valid excuse: "then an equal number of other days" (Al-Baqarah 2:185). For menstruation in particular, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) explained: "We were commanded to make up the fasts, and we were not commanded to make up the prayers" (Muslim). Scholars agree on this point.
In practice
- Count your days. Write down how many days you missed so you do not forget.
- Any time before the next Ramadan. You can spread the days out or fast them in a row. Aisha herself sometimes made up her fasts in Sha'ban, just before the next Ramadan (Bukhari and Muslim). See until when you can make up missed fasts.
- Same rules as a Ramadan fast. Make the intention the night before, eat suhoor if you can, and fast from dawn to sunset.
- Avoid the forbidden days. Do not fast on the two days of Eid.
What if …
… I want to fast the six days of Shawwal too? Many scholars advise making up Ramadan first, because the hadith speaks of fasting Ramadan and then following it with six days. Read more in fasting Shawwal before making up missed fasts.
… I let a whole year pass without making them up? The days are still owed and you should fast them as soon as you can. Some scholars also ask for a fidya (feeding one poor person per day) if the delay had no valid reason; if you are unsure, ask a trusted local scholar.
… I also missed prayers during my period? Prayers are different and are not made up. See making up prayers after a period.
Tips
Many women find it easiest to make up a day or two soon after Eid, while the habit of fasting is still fresh, or to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Short winter days also make make-up fasts lighter.
These answers give the general ruling based on the Quran, the Sunnah and the mainstream view of scholars. For a personal situation, ask a qualified scholar you trust.
Ask your question
Could not find your question? Send it to us. We add answers to the most asked questions on this page.
