Question: Do women need to complete several years of make-up fasts from menstruation?
Answer:
n the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate,
Assalamu ‘alaykum dear sister in faith,
Allah says,
Fast for a specific number of days. However, should any one of you be sick or on a journey, then (he should fast) a number of other days (equal to the missed ones). [Qur’an 2:184]
A woman on her menses is not permitted to fast, but it is obligatory upon her to make up the missed days of Ramadan. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]
As you are unaware of the number of days that are due upon you to make up, do the following :
(a) Determine the longest menses (hayd) you have ever had
(b) Multiply that number by 15
(c) Attempt to complete at least two make up fasts per week, preferable on Mondays and Thursdays.
(d) In this manner, you will have completed all of your make up fasts within a year or so
Turn to Allah in sincere repentance for having omitted these obligatory fasts. Ask Allah to assist you in lifting all the debts due to Him from upon you.
Consider taking the following course to learn the essential rulings of worship.
May Allah guide you to goodness.
He, Most High, knows best.
[Ustadha] Iman Badawi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani