Missing a fast during Ramadan, or failing to complete a makeup fast, is not automatically haram (forbidden) in Islam. However, whether it's considered permissible depends entirely on the reason for missing the fast.
Valid Reasons for Missing a Fast
Several valid reasons excuse missing a fast, preventing it from being considered haram:
- Illness: If you are genuinely ill, preventing you from fasting without harming your health, it is permissible to miss the fast. [Source: Various Reddit discussions and implied from the need to make up missed fasts later. See references]
- Travel: Traveling is generally considered a valid reason to miss a fast. This often is context-dependent and requires further clarification based on the distance and purpose of the travel. [Source: Implied from the need for makeup fasts]
- Menstruation/Postpartum Bleeding: Women experiencing menstruation or postpartum bleeding are exempt from fasting. It is haram to fast during these periods. [Source: r/Hijabis discussion]
- Extreme Old Age or Disability: Individuals who are very old or have a physical or mental disability that prevents fasting may be exempt. [Source: Implied from references on valid exemptions]
Consequences of Missing a Fast
If you miss a fast without a valid excuse, it is considered haram, and you will need to make up that missed fast at a later date. [Source: Zakat Foundation of America]
If, due to a valid reason, you are unable to make up the missed fast before the next Ramadan, you may need to perform fidya, a charitable donation equivalent to feeding 60 people. This is not a punishment but a way to compensate for the missed obligation. [Source: Provided reference]
It is crucial to note that intentionally breaking a fast without a valid reason incurs a more serious consequence—kaffarah, a more significant expiatory act. [Source: Provided reference]
Makeup Fasts
Breaking a makeup fast for a missed Ramadan fast is also haram unless there is a valid reason as outlined above. Voluntary fasts have different rules. [Source: IslamQA]
In short, missing a fast is not inherently haram, but the permissibility hinges on the justification. Missing a fast without a valid excuse is forbidden, while missing a fast with a valid reason requires either making up the missed fast or performing fidya if making it up is not possible.
