Section: Making Up Missed Days of Ramadan

Whoever has missed fasting in Ramadan1 must make up the same number of days.

Making them up immediately is recommended, but if only as many days of Shaʿbān remain as he still owes, then it becomes obligatory to fast them.2

A person who still owes makeup days for Ramadan may not initiate a voluntary fast; however, if he begins the day intending an obligatory or makeup fast and later changes it to a voluntary fast, the fast remains valid.

Voluntary fasting itself is commendable, and the best pattern is to alternate: one day of fasting followed by one day of eating.

It is likewise recommended3 to fast on the “white days”—the 13th4, 14th5, and 15th6 of each lunar month—together with fasting on Thursdays and Mondays, and six days of Shawwāl.

Fasting during Muḥarram is recommended, the most emphatic day being ʿĀshūrāʾ, which expiates the sins of one year. Fasting the first ten days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah is also recommended, with its most emphatic day being the Day of ʿArafah7, which expiates the sins of two years.