Q 5: My grandfather died while missing fast of some days in Ramadan and he did not make up for them because of his illness. What is the ruling on this case?

A: If a person dies without making up for the obligatory fast of Ramadan, because he could not do so, there is no harm on him because he is excused. Yet, if a person was able to make up for the missed fast but neglected it until he passed away, then it is better for his relatives to fast on his behalf. (Part No. 9; Page No. 263) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If anyone dies in a state (that he had to complete) some days of fasting, his heir must fast on his behalf. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) The "heir" mentioned in the Hadith also includes the relatives of the deceased. However, if there is no one to fast on his behalf, then poor people should be fed from his estate on his behalf. The Kaffarah (expiation) in this case, according to a group of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with him) of the Prophet (peace be upon him), is half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of food to be given to a poor person for each day.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.