As for the notion that the make-up fasts are waived, as you have mentioned, this is unfounded; it is a rejected view. Even though it is related from Ibn ʿAbbās or Ibn ʿUmar, it remains a weak opinion. Consequently, whenever a pregnant or nursing woman breaks the fast, she is required—without exception—to make up the missed days. With regard to feeding the poor, here is the detailed ruling: if she broke the fast solely because of the pregnancy itself, then along with the make-up fasts she must feed one needy person for every day missed; but if the break was for the sake of the mother’s own health, she is only obliged to make up the fasts.

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Laylat al-Qadr and Laylat al-Isrāʾ

Question: What is the strongest scholarly opinion on pinpointing Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree)? Is it unquestionably the best of all nights, or not? And what is your view of those who claim that Laylat al-Isrāʾ (the Night Journey) is superior to Laylat al-Qadr? Please enlighten us, and may Allah bless you.

Answer: Laylat al-Qadr is an exalted night. Allah extolled its virtue in His Noble Book, saying, “Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night—indeed, We have always warned—on that night every matter of wisdom is apportioned” (Surah al-Dukhān 3–4). He likewise said, “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy: Indeed, We sent it down during the Night of Decree. And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by permission of their Lord, with every decreed matter. Peace it is until the rise of dawn” (Surah al-Qadr 1–5).

This is a night that Allah has honored above all others, declaring that deeds performed during it are better than those of a thousand months—that is, more than eighty-three years and several months. What a tremendous favor! He selected it for the revelation of the Quran, described it as a blessed night, and informed us that during it every event that is to occur is decreed.