My question is relating to fasting in the month of Ramadan and breaking a fast on purpose.
The story is, when I was in my secondary education, at the age of either 12,13 or 14, but NOT 15, me and this other Muslim broke our fast. We had no reason whatsoever, we didn’t know the rulings. Obviously I repented and inshallah Allah has forgiven me but it’s just something that will haunt me and I still ask Allah to forgive what I did.
For the past 3 Ramadans, the breaking of the fast has been haunting me, something that will probably haunt me till I clear this problem. To do that, I have decide to ask you.
So, do I have to make kaffarah? If yes, is it fasting for 60 days consecutively.
PS To be on the safe side, I am on the opinion that it was my fault and I have to pay expiation so I believe it is Kafarah – 60 days of fasting consecutively. Currently, I’m doing the kaffarah and so far, I have fasted 28 days and I have no sign of weakness in me, infact the ramadhan that just went by, I found it to be the easiest.
May peace be upon you.
Answer
In principle, if you were physically matured at the time you broke your fast, then only Kaffaarah and Qadhaa will have to be offered. That is 61 fasts. If you were not physically mature, then you do not have offer Qadhaa or Kaffaarah as you were a minor in terms of the Shari’ah at that time.
It is good to clear your conscious and continue the fasts until you finish 60 fasts consecutively. You may keep the one Qadhaa jointly or separately.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai