If you can’t remember how many qada fasts you owe, the usual juristic answer is simple: make up what you know you missed, record carefully, and when in doubt prefer caution or consult a learned authority.
For many who fast, forgetting the number of qada (make-up) fasts is a common problem. This can happen for various reasons: a busy life, prolonged illness, or plain forgetfulness.
If a person is uncertain about how many missed days they must make up, they should perform qada fasts equal to the number they are certain they missed. For example, if one doubts whether there are five or seven missed days, they should make up five days.
Method | How to use it |
|---|---|
Use a calendar | Mark the days you fasted on a calendar (physical or digital). Special Ramadan calendars or phone apps can help. |
Daily notes | After iftar, note in a notebook whether you fasted that day. |
Reminder apps | Set reminders or use apps that let you log and track missed and made-up fasts. |
Source | What to ask |
|---|---|
Family and friends | Ask those who saw you during the year whether they remember if you fasted on specific days. |
Marja‘ (religious authority) | If your doubt is serious, consult your marja‘ or another qualified scholar for guidance. |
Principle | Practical instruction |
|---|---|
Precaution (ihtiyat wajib) | If you cannot determine the exact number, it is recommended to act with caution and make up all doubtful fasts. |
Intention | When making up doubtful fasts, intend that you are making up the forgotten fasts. |
Situation | Consequence |
|---|---|
Intentional omission without a valid excuse | Besides qada, kaffarah (expiation) may be required. |
Delaying qada until the next Ramadan | If qada fasts are postponed until the next Ramadan, a kaffarah for delay may be required in addition to qada. |
Note | Explanation |
|---|---|
Importance of intention | A correct intention (niyyah) is essential for both Ramadan and make-up fasts. |
Regular worship | Try to keep up regular acts of worship during the year to reduce forgetfulness. |
Calm reassurance | Do not worry unduly — with these steps and consultation you can determine your obligations. |
Answer:
Ayatollahs Imam (unspecified), Sistani, Nouri: If a person knows they have qada fasts and doubts between fewer or more days, they may suffice with the lesser number.
Ayatollahs Khamenei, Khoei, Tabrizi, Safi: Make up the quantity you are sure you owe.
Ayatollahs Fazel and Vahid: Follow the minimum unless an excused omission caused the uncertainty; in that exceptional case, as a precaution one should make up the larger number.
Ayatollah Makarem: If a person knows they have qada fasts but forgets whether it was two or three, taking the lesser number is sufficient — but if they once knew the number and later forgot due to negligence, the precaution is to make up the larger number.
Tip | |
|---|---|
Keep clear records | Use a calendar, notebook or app to mark days you fast to avoid later doubt. |
Start by doing what you know | Make up the number of days you are certain you missed before addressing doubtful days. |
Ask those who observed you | Family or friends may recall whether you fasted on specific dates. |
Consult your marja‘ if in serious doubt | For important uncertainties, seek guidance from a qualified religious authority. |
When unsure, act with caution | If you cannot resolve the doubt, the safer approach is to make up the doubtful days. |
