Question: Must I make up broken fasts performed at a time when I’m uncertain that I’ve reached the age of maturity? Is makeup due for fasts broken by ejaculation or is an expiation (kaffara) also due?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
It is possible for a male to reach puberty from the minimum age of 12 years old [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].
Think back within the past two years and try to recall when you became mature. Try to recall if you’ve experienced any nocturnal emission (wet dreams).
If you can recall with reasonable surety a specific time within those two years, then calculate how many fasts you missed and begin to make them up. The maximum it could be is two full Ramadans.
Breaking Fast by Ejaculation
Ejaculation of semen does indeed break the fast. Depending on the cause of the ejaculation the rulings differ.
If one ejaculates due to a wet-dream, looking at something, or thinking of something – the fast is not broken [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].
If the ejaculation was due to sexual intercourse done intentionally, make-up along with expiation (kaffara) is due [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah].
If it was due to masturbation or forgetful intercourse – only make-up is due [Ibid.].
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani