Obligation of making up for the missed days of Ramadan for anyone who did not fast without an excuse

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Q 4: If a woman does not observe Sawm (Fast) during Ramadan due to postpartum period, pregnancy, or breastfeeding and then later she becomes in a good state of health, is it better for her to observe Sawm or to give Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to make up for the days she has missed?

A: Any woman who is unable to observe Sawm during Ramadan due to postpartum period must fast to make up for the missed days of Sawm. In the case of a woman who is pregnant however, she should observe Sawm during her pregnancy, except if it is feared that Sawm will cause harm to the mother or to the fetus. In this case, the mother is allowed not to observe Sawm during Ramadan, and she should make up for these missed days of Sawm after giving birth to the child and after the postpartum period. She is not obliged to feed a needy person for each day that she misses as long as she makes up for the missed days of Sawm before the next Ramadan. Feeding the needy cannot take the place of Sawm and she must make up for all of the days she has missed.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.