Q: My mother is 66 years old. For the last seven years she suffered from diabetes, and since she was diagnosed, she has continued to receive treatment for her condition. Also, in 1398 A.H she came down with tuberculosis and I took her to Kuwait in search of treatment. She remained hospitalized at the Thoracic Disease Hospital in 1399-1400 A.H. where she was treated for two years until her condition improved relatively speaking. Since she left the hospital she has been living at my home and she is still being treated for these two conditions and must visit the hospital every week. She also suffers from general physical weakness due to her old age and these incurable diseases. She cannot fast at the present time as she has to drink at least one cup of water every two hours. Likewise, she did not fast the last two years while she was in the hospital according to the advice of her physicians. Next Ramadan is coming soon and we would like to know, may Allah reward you well, what should be done concerning the days of fasting that she missed the last two years and also regarding the fasting of next Ramadan that she cannot perform. May Allah grant you success and forgive you! Peace be upon you!

A: If the reality is as you mentioned regarding your mother's illness, (Part No. 10; Page No. 187) then she is allowed to give up fasting during the month of Ramadan as long as she remains in this condition. If she recovers and is able to make up for the missed days, she should do so by fasting. Allah (Praised and Exalted be He) says: ...and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. If, however, her condition does not improve, then she is not required to make up for these days. Allah (Praised and Exalted be He) says: Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. He also says: ...and He has not laid upon you in religion any hardship Instead, she should feed a needy person for every day of fasting that she missed.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.