Q: I went to Iraq in the summer vacation four years ago. (Part No. 10; Page No. 339) To err is human. I observed Sawm (Fast) for only five days during the month of Ramadan. I intentionally broke my Sawm on the other twenty five days. What is the expiation for breaking Sawm during these days? Does honest repentance obliterate this major sin? Is performing Hajj useful in this grievous calamity? How many days should I fast in order to have my sin forgiven?

A: You have to make up for the days of Sawm you missed whether consecutively or separately. You should seek Allah's forgiveness and repent to Him because of what you have done. You do not have to do anything except that. May Allah forgive us and you as He is the Most Merciful and most Compassionate. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death). Tawbah (repentance to Allah) means to be sorry for what you have committed of sins and to give up evil things out of fear and glorification to Allah (Exalted be He). A person should also intend not to commit sins again. The Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If a person broke his Sawm during Ramadan with no legal excuse, observing Sawm for the whole year, if one fasts, will not make up for that day." is a weak Hadith.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.