the measures intended to make matters stricter for him, lest he repeat such an act. It would therefore be a ruling based on independent legal reasoning. However, the apparent meaning of the Quran indicates that he is not required to feed others along with making up the fasts, for Allah has required only “an equal number of days later,” and has not required anything beyond that. The statement of a Companion is evidence so long as it does not contradict the revealed text; but here it contradicts the apparent meaning of the text, and so it cannot be relied upon. Accordingly, we do not impose upon Allah’s servants anything that Allah has not imposed upon them, except on the basis of evidence sufficient to discharge one’s responsibility before Allah. Moreover, what has been narrated from Ibn Abbas and Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with them, may be understood as a recommendation rather than an obligation.
Thus, the correct view in this issue is that he is not required to do anything beyond fasting the days he missed, although he is sinful for delaying them.
Some scholars held that if he delays making them up until after the second Ramadan without an excuse, he is required only to feed others, and his fasting is not valid (1). This is based on the view that he has performed an act not commanded by Allah and His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and such an act is invalid and rejected, due to the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “Whoever performs an act that is not in accordance with our matter, it is rejected” (2). This is like one who performs a prayer outside its prescribed time: it is not accepted from him if there is no excuse that permits delaying it. Thus, there are three views: that making up the fasts alone is obligatory; that feeding others alone is obligatory; and that both are obligatory. The stronger view is the first.
And if he dies, even after another Ramadan. If he dies while owing fasting, Hajj, i'tikaf, or a vowed prayer, it is recommended for his guardian to make it up on his behalf.
His statement, “And if he dies, even after another Ramadan,” means: if he dies having